KATHMANDU: Veteran snake rescuer Yamlal Kandel has warned that the growing trend of untrained content creators handling snakes for social media views is putting lives at risk, following several incidents involving dangerous reptiles.
Speaking to Khabarhub, Kandel, who has been rescuing snakes since 2009, said many individuals are attempting to rescue highly venomous species, particularly king cobras, without proper training, simply to generate online engagement.
“Snake videos attract a lot of viewers because people are fascinated by dangerous animals,” he said. “Some creators unnecessarily stress and mishandle snakes just to increase views and monetize their content.”
Kandel criticized the practice of rescuing snakes from forests and other natural habitats solely for filming purposes.
“Forests, rivers, fields and streams are the snakes’ natural homes. We should only rescue snakes that have entered human settlements—not remove them from the wild,” he said. “Many people have started catching snakes wherever they find them, believing it will earn them money online.”
Rescue should be based on safety, not popularity
Kandel said Nepal’s snake species generally avoid human contact and only bite when they feel threatened or cornered. While venomous snakes can be fatal, he emphasized that most snakebite deaths occur because victims do not receive timely medical treatment.
He said outdated practices such as seeking faith healers, tying tight tourniquets, or cutting the wound continue to delay proper treatment.
“Years ago, around 30 percent of snakebite deaths were linked to delayed hospital treatment. That figure has now dropped to around 10 percent because awareness has improved,” he said.
According to Kandel, the priority after a venomous snakebite should always be to transport the victim to a hospital immediately rather than relying on traditional remedies.
A self-taught rescuer driven by public service
Now 49, Kandel moved from Gulmi to Chitwan in 2002. He says his interest in snakes began after wondering why people continued to die from snakebites despite the availability of medical colleges and anti-venom treatment.
He recalled catching a python shortly after arriving in Chitwan, an event that eventually led local residents to recognize him as someone capable of rescuing snakes.
Since then, he has studied snake behavior through books, discussions with experts and online resources, often relying on his daughter to help translate English-language materials.
Kandel says he does not charge for rescue operations and considers the work a form of community service.
“I respond even at midnight if necessary,” he said. “Fuel is my biggest expense because I have to travel wherever I’m called.”
He receives some rescue equipment such as gloves and snake hooks from friends living abroad and also purchases gear with his own savings.
Calls for greater government support
While appreciating limited support from his local ward office, which previously provided rescue equipment worth Rs 50,000, Kandel believes greater emphasis should be placed on training and public education rather than simply purchasing equipment.
He also called on the government to recognize the contribution of trained snake rescuers by providing insurance coverage and institutional support.
“People who dedicate themselves to public service should not be overlooked,” he said. “Professional snake rescuers deserve protection because this work involves considerable personal risk.”
Kandel urged the public not to imitate online rescue videos and instead contact trained rescuers whenever venomous snakes enter residential areas, stressing that untrained attempts can endanger both people and wildlife.
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