In yet another act of wildlife compassion and swift response, noted wildlife enthusiast and birder Jafar Majeed rescued a Pit Viper (locally known as Puhur) from a residential house in Cherwan village of Kangan, Jammu & Kashmir.
The venomous snake had entered a family home, causing panic among the residents. Upon being alerted, Jafar promptly arrived at the spot, safely captured the snake, and later released it back into its natural habitat, far from human habitation. His quick action prevented harm to both the residents and the snake.
Jafar Majeed is no stranger to wildlife rescues. Just last year, he was widely appreciated for rescuing a Levantine viper that had slithered into a kitchen — a situation that could have ended in tragedy. His past contributions also include the rescue of a female Hangul fawn in 2018, a rare and critically endangered species found only in Kashmir.
With a deep passion for birds and wild creatures, Jafar has spent years protecting local fauna. He is a known birder in the region, having rescued several injured birds over the years, often nursing them back to health before releasing them.
Speaking about the rescue, Jafar said, “Every animal has a role in the ecosystem. The Pit Viper is feared because of its venom, but it plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations. Fear should never lead us to harm them — awareness is key.”
Jafar continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife, urging the local community to report such incidents to wildlife authorities or trained rescuers instead of taking matters into their own hands.
His dedication has not only saved many wild lives but also inspired growing awareness in the region about the importance of conservation and the protection of Kashmir’s rich biodiversity.