Panic spread through the Baghail area of Ishwardi upazila in Pabna after two highly venomous Russell’s Vipers were found inside a residential home on Saturday afternoon. Local residents beat both snakes to death out of fear.
The incident occurred at the home of Amirul Islam Biswas where his wife spotted the snakes in a firewood storage area attached to their kitchen. She immediately alerted neighbours also rushed to the scene and killed the reptiles, suspecting they had gathered to mate.
Locals noted that sightings of Russell’s Vipers are rising across the char (riverine) areas of Ishwardi. As the monsoon season ends and farming activities resume on floodplains, experts warn that these snakes often seek shelter near human settlements also urging rural communities to remain cautious.
Wildlife conservationists expressed concern over the incident. Ehsan Biswas Litu, president of the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Community in Pabna, stated that killing the snakes was unfortunate and emphasized that the Forest Department should have been contacted to rescue and safely relocate them. He added that Russell's Viper populations have increased across several northern districts in recent years.
Pabna District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Abu Taleb Pramanik acknowledged the growing presence of the species in Ishwardi and noted that several snakebite incidents had occurred in the past. He announced that public awareness campaigns will soon be launched to educate residents on safety measures and wildlife protection.
