Date: July 9, 2025
Category: Trending | Wildlife | India News
A shocking and bizarre video from Uttar Pradesh has gone viral across India today, showing a group of young children carrying a 15-foot-long Indian rock python bare-handed for over 3 kilometers through a village. The footage, which surfaced late last night, has triggered a storm of reactions on social media, with many praising the children’s courage — while others condemned the dangerous act and raised serious concerns over wildlife safety and child protection.
🐍 What Happened?
The incident took place in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, where villagers discovered a massive Indian rock python (Python molurus) tangled near a sugarcane field after heavy rains flushed it out from its habitat. Instead of calling wildlife authorities, a group of boys aged between 10 and 15 took it upon themselves to carry the snake to the village temple, believing it to be a divine sign.
The entire journey was filmed by locals. The video shows:
- Four boys holding the snake by its head and tail
- Spectators cheering and recording with phones
- No adults intervening to stop the act
The clip has since garnered millions of views on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, with the hashtag #UPPythonKids trending nationwide.
📲 Social Media Reaction
The incident instantly went viral with mixed reactions:
Praises:
- “True courage! These boys deserve a bravery award!” – @IndianNatureWatch
- “Only in India — respect for nature and tradition.” – @MysticIndiaReels
Criticism:
- “Shocking irresponsibility! Where are the parents? Where is forest department?” – @WildlifeSOS
- “This is illegal and dangerous. That python could’ve attacked!” – @VetVoicesIndia
Wildlife experts and animal rights activists have condemned the incident, calling it both reckless and illegal.
🛑 Is It Legal to Handle Wild Snakes?
No. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Indian rock pythons are listed as Schedule I species, meaning:
- Catching, handling, or transporting them is a criminal offense.
- Conviction can lead to up to 7 years of imprisonment or fines.
The forest department has since launched an investigation, and officials from the Bahraich forest range have reached the village to identify the individuals involved.
A senior official stated:
“This is a serious violation. The python is a protected species. We are working to ensure the children are counseled and educated, and that villagers are made aware of wildlife laws.”
🧠 Understanding the Indian Rock Python
Let’s break down why this act was so dangerous:
- Species: Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
- Length: Can grow up to 20 feet
- Weight: 30–50 kg
- Venom: Non-venomous, but capable of constriction, which can be deadly
- Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas in India
- Behavior: Shy, but aggressive when threatened
Even though the snake did not attack, experts say it could have strangled a child in seconds if it felt threatened.
🙏 Beliefs vs. Biology
In many parts of rural India, snakes — especially large ones like pythons — are seen as divine symbols, associated with Nag Devta (Snake God). Carrying the snake to a temple was viewed by villagers as an act of faith and bravery.
But wildlife authorities stress that religion cannot override the law or safety protocols.
“We respect cultural beliefs. But no deity would want harm to children or animals. Education and awareness must guide such practices,” said Dr. Meenakshi Raut, wildlife biologist.
👦 What Happens to the Kids Now?
Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the python was later released into a nearby forest by the forest team. The children are being counseled rather than punished.
The forest department has announced that:
- A wildlife awareness camp will be conducted in the village.
- Parents will be educated on what to do when encountering wild animals.
- A team will monitor the area for other displaced snakes due to monsoon flooding.
📣 Why This Story Matters
This incident is a wake-up call on multiple levels:
- Wildlife Conservation: Handling or harming wild animals must be seen as a crime, not an act of courage.
- Child Safety: Children must be protected from dangerous stunts that may seem heroic.
- Education Gaps: Villages need better outreach on how to respond to wildlife encounters.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness programs should respect local traditions while reinforcing legal and safety boundaries.
🧾 Conclusion
The viral video from Uttar Pradesh is a mix of fascination and concern. While the courage of the children is undeniable, the act also highlights major lapses in awareness, law enforcement, and education.
India must do more to ensure that respect for wildlife goes hand in hand with respect for life and law. Moments like this should inspire conservation, not just clicks.