Ctg youth rescues snake eggs, hatches baby copperheads
In the quiet village of Ramburhat in Raozan upazila of Chattogram, a remarkable rescue ended with new life. A clutch of snake eggs, discovered in a local home, hatched into healthy baby Dudhraj snakes — also known as copper headed trinket snakes.
The rescue and care were led by Mohammad Maqsudur Rahman, a young wildlife enthusiast from Noapara village, who works as the Chattogram representative of the Wildlife and Snake Rescue Team Bangladesh.
The rescue began with a phone call.
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"A resident told me that a snake had appeared in his house," Maqsud recalls.
Arriving quickly at the scene, he found a small hole under the sand on the floor. Inside were several eggs.
"At first, I realised these were snake eggs. I carefully retrieved all of them and brought them home," he said.
Maqsud explained the delicate nature of handling snake eggs, saying, "Snakes don't lay eggs like other animals. They require careful maintenance for days. Slowly, one by one, the eggs hatched. All of the babies were born healthy."
The hatchlings belong to Coelognathus radiatus, a non-venomous species that commonly lives in bushes, rice fields, and around rural homes.
"These snakes are harmless, yet many people kill non-venomous snakes out of fear. The copper headed trinket snake is actually a friend to farmers, eating rats and protecting crops."
He said the babies will be released into a safe forested area, away from humans.
"Snakes are vital for ecological balance. They are both predators and prey, keeping the environment healthy," he added.
Maqsud joined the Wildlife and Snake Rescue Team Bangladesh in late 2022. Since then, he has rescued more than 300 snakes, from venomous species like cobra, pit viper, and banded krait to non-venomous pythons.
"There are still many superstitions about snakes. Most people think all snakes are dangerous, but the truth is, the majority are harmless. Awareness is key here," he said.
He also emphasised the importance of proper medical care for snakebites.
"If someone is bitten by a snake, they should go to a hospital immediately. Antivenom is available in government hospitals. Visiting a traditional medical practitioner first can waste precious time and cost lives."
Maqsud's dedication has earned him local admiration.
"We hope to reduce conflict between humans and snakes. Every creature has a role in nature. If snakes survive, the environment survives, and humans are safer too," he said.
