A wandering animal that once got lost in the forest has been brought back into the limelight. On World Snake Day, observed on July 16, a rare two-headed wolf snake from Odisha resurfaced—this time through a photograph shared on social media. The image, posted by Odisha's Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, brought new focus to an old marvel.
Unusual Find Captivates Nature Lovers Again
The juvenile snake was first rescued in May 2020. It measured around 14 centimetres and had two heads, four eyes, and two tongues. Wildlife biologist Rakesh Mohalik had discovered it in Keonjhar Wildlife Sanctuary. A member of the non-venomous wolf snake family, it was distinct because it had a rare condition.
The two-headed form, known as dicephaly, is caused by incomplete embryo separation. Although rare, this condition occasionally occurs in reptiles. Survival in the wild remains difficult, though, as both heads often try to act on their own.
A Glimpse into Odisha’s Rich Forest Life
The snake was released back into the wild after rescue. It came from the Dhenkikote range of Keonjhar, known for its dense green cover. Jha’s photo now reminds the public of Odisha’s hidden herpetofauna. There are more than 70 species of snakes found in the state, a lot of which are non-venomous.
Wolf snakes, such as this, keep pests such as rodents under check. They are a silent yet vital force in maintaining forest life. This two-headed snake's photograph is more than unusual—it's a testament to the marvels of nature.
They are calling for sustained caution and conservation. Wildlife protection requires all of us—local communities to forest guards. With each unusual sighting, Odisha's forests share their wild, living tales.
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