A snake had to be rescued after becoming trapped in a metal grinder in eastern India.
Nirakara Mohapatra, a resident of Chhendipada, Odisha heard a peculiar metallic sound at his backyard on September 10.
When he checked, he was shocked to find a snake trapped in an abandoned mixer and grinder jar.
Mohapatra contacted local Snake Helpline volunteer Himanshu Dehury, who went to the spot with his associates, and identified the snake to be a harmless Indian rat snake around five-feet-long.
He made a video call to Subhendu Mallik, founder of Snake Helpline, who directed him on how to go about rescuing the snake.
Himanshu took the snake to an open space and cut open the jar with an electrical metallic cutter saw. The last portion was cut with a hand saw to prevent any further injury to the snake.
The rescuers worked patiently for nearly two hours to free the snake and then administered first aid with Betadine solution and cotton gauze bandage.
The snake was taken to a vet hospital on September 11, where it received 36 stitches for its injuries and is presently recuperating.
Subhendu Mallik said: "The snake probably inserted its head into the jar out of curiosity or to find prey. Then as it tried to pass through the hole it got stuck midway. As it struggled to free itself, the sharp edges of the jar cut into its skin and flesh. Irresponsible waste management is a serious threat to wildlife.”
