A Russell viper was rescued from a farmer’s house and safely released into the wild after sparking panic in the community.

The incident took place in Khodi village of Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, central India on December 29.

Visuals show the snake catcher carefully extracting Russell’s Viper from beneath wood and bricks at the back of the house, its gaping mouth a stark reminder of its danger.

According to reports, villagers promptly alerted snake expert Akhil Baba, who captured the viper within 10 minutes and released it safely into the forest, averting any potential mishap. Grateful for his swift response, the villagers commended Akhil Baba’s expertise.

Akhil Baba explained, “I received a call from Narendra Yadav of Kulha village about a snake in their house. On arrival, I found Russell’s Viper underwood and bricks at the back of the house. This is Asia’s most dangerous snake, and its bite can kill within seconds. The family mistook it for a python, but it was a highly venomous viper. I safely captured it and released it into the forest.”