‘Snake Lady’ of Siliguri: 22-year-old Shrestha Talukdar rescues over 2,000 snakes

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI, : At just nine years old, Shrestha Talukdar handled her first snake. Today, at 22, she has rescued more than 2,000 snakes including venomous species and massive pythons, earning her the nickname ‘Snake Lady’ across Siliguri.

Shrestha, who studied Mass Communication, originally aspired to become a journalist. But her true calling led her down a different path, one shaped by passion and inspiration from her father, Subash Talukdar, who is a seasoned snake rescuer.

“My father is my idol and my inspiration. Everything I know about snakes, I learned from him, books, and through guidance from Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha,” said Shrestha, works under Bagdogra Forest Range and is preparing for the Forest Beat Officer examination.

Shrestha is known not just for her bravery, but also for her composure and skill in handling snakes. Her training began early, under the watchful eye of her father.

One of her most notable rescues took place recently in Lower Bagdogra, where a 12-foot-long python had entered a residential area. With hundreds of anxious onlookers gathered, Shrestha calmly approached the snake, secured it using a snake-catching stick, and safely bagged it for release. The successful rescue cemented her reputation and earned her the moniker ‘Snake Lady’.

“She is a daring young woman who handles snakes with remarkable skill and releases them back to their habitat responsibly,” said Devesh Pandey, Divisional Forest Officer of Kurseong. “If she continues with this dedication, she has a bright future ahead.”

Shrestha advocates for awareness and empathy when it comes to snakes. “Snakes do not attack unless provoked or threatened. People panic, scream, or throw harmful chemicals, which only make things worse. Instead, they should try to identify the snake and contact the forest department immediately,” she said.