Idris Mia: Bitten Over 400 Times While Rescuing Snakes

In Tangail, Idris Mia has raised over 400 snakes and has been bitten just as many times. Despite the constant danger, he continues to live alongside these reptiles, risking his life to make a living by catching venomous snakes.

His collection includes various species such as Cobras (Gokhra), Monocled Cobras (Kalkouta), Banded Kraits (Sankhini), and Rat Snakes (Darash). To feed them, he provides Taki fish and frogs daily.

Feeding 400 snakes requires collecting about 2 kg of Taki fish and frogs every day. With Taki fish priced at approximately Tk400 per kg, the daily maintenance cost for his snakes reaches nearly Tk800.

On-site, his home in Saliyabaha village of Laxmindar Union, Ghatail Upazila, appears modest. A small tin-roofed house stands by the road, with two wells located on the western side. These wells house hundreds of snakes, seen coiled around one another.

Local resident Isa Mia said, "Being a hilly area, we used to live in fear, especially during the monsoon when snake sightings increase. However, the villagers are now relieved because of him. Even in my own home, there was a snake hidden inside an egg crate; he caught it remarkably well and took it to his sanctuary. He rushes to help neighbors in danger, but he struggles to manage the expenses for these snakes. We urge the government to provide him with financial assistance and a proper facility to maintain them."

Idris Mia pointed out that he is obsessed with catching snakes day and night. However, despite his passion, he is struggling to run his household. He used to be a fisherman, which he says was a much better profession financially. There were nights when he could sell fish worth Tk4,000 to 5,000 after a single catch.

"Nowadays, snakes have no market value," Idris lamented. "A snake sells for only Tk200 to 300. Even when I risk my life to catch a snake from someone's house, they don't offer much in return. Initially, I was terrified of snakes and used to tell others to stay away. Now, that fear is gone. My family also supports me daily by helping with the snakes' care, from providing water to other chores."
The man from Tangail shared, "Many times, snakes die due to a lack of food. We don't always have money on hand, so we can't provide them with meals. I humbly request the government for assistance in the conservation and rearing of these snakes."

Idris used to make a living by fishing. Five years ago, while fishing one day, he plucked up the courage to catch a snake. Since then, he left his fishing profession behind and began earning a livelihood by catching snakes.

He said: "In the five years I've been catching snakes, I have been bitten over 400 times. I've been bitten everywhere, from my hands and feet to my head. Every single time I was bitten, I used anti-venom. When I see a snake, I lose all sense of anything else. No matter where the snake is, I have to catch it. With that goal in mind, I often stick my head into underground holes first."

He said the number of snakes in his collection is growing almost daily, though some species are becoming rarer. For instance, the Banded Krait (Sankhini) is currently very scarce. These are in high demand among the Bede (nomadic ethnic group) community. Last year, he had about 300 snakes, which has increased to over 400 this year.

Most of the snakes are sold to the Bede community and street performers (canvassers) at local markets. Occasionally, the Tangail Forest Department authorities take a few snakes from him. "In return, I receive Tk200 to 300said. This is how my family survives," Idris explained.

To maintain environmental balance and continue serving the local community, he is appealing to the government for the necessary support and resources required for snake catching and conservation.