Python Nearby: 11-Year-Old Rescued From Rock Crevice After 6 Hours

April 11, 2025 – In a dramatic rescue operation that unfolded on a steep hillside in India’s eastern Odisha state, an 11-year-old boy survived nearly six hours wedged headfirst in a tight rock crevice while a large python rested in a nearby cave. The rescue teams had to work with extreme precision to free the child without alarming the snake, which was protected under Indian wildlife law.

The incident happened on Chorakhol hill, about 250 feet above the ground, when Siba Pradhan, from Nayagarh district, went into the forest with his uncle to collect honey. According to local reports, the boy squeezed into a narrow opening between rocks to reach a honeycomb and became stuck. He could not reverse himself out, and the situation grew more dangerous as the afternoon wore on.

Firefighters from three districts – Odagaon, Nayagarh, and Bhubaneswar – coordinated the rescue. They used hydraulic jacks to slowly shift the rocks while maintaining constant communication with the boy. Paramedics monitored his breathing and heartbeat, and rescuers kept him calm and told him to think of his favorite foods, according to officials who spoke to the press.

The presence of a large python in a crevice just a few feet away added a layer of risk. “Our primary concern was that any sudden movement could provoke the snake,” said Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service. “The team remained composed and used a very careful approach. They did not disturb the python at all.”

The snake was later seen retreating deeper into the cave as the rescue finished. Wildlife officials said the python was not harmed and would be left in its natural habitat.

Siba was freed after sunset and taken to the Odagaon community health center, where doctors reported him in stable condition. He was treated for dehydration and minor scrapes. More than 300 villagers and family members had gathered at the base of the hill, cheering as the rescue wrapped up.

The case highlights the risks that families in forest-dependent communities face every day. In many parts of India, collecting honey, firewood, or medicinal plants is a common source of income. But the terrain can be unstable, and encounters with wildlife are frequent. India’s python population often overlaps with human settlements, leading to interactions that range from harmless to dangerous.

“Incidents like this are a reminder that we need to balance human livelihoods with wildlife conservation,” said Dr. Varun Saxena, a wildlife biologist at the Wildlife Institute of India who was not involved in the rescue. “Pythons are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and relocation is always the preferred option. The rescue team deserves credit for not harming the snake.”

The state government has publicly recognized the responders. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the firefighters on social media, calling their courage and professionalism “truly commendable.” Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik also expressed his support. Each firefighter involved in the operation will receive a cash reward of Rs 25,000 (about $262 USD), and the team received floral tributes from local officials.

Currently, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service is reviewing the operation to create a standard protocol for similar rescues in rocky terrain with wildlife present. Sarangi told reporters that the department is planning to equip its teams with cameras and snake-handling tools to improve safety in future incidents.

As of this week, Siba is back home with his family. His uncle, who accompanied him to the forest, has been counseled by the village head about safety measures when collecting forest products. The local government has also announced a small awareness program for children in the area about the dangers of entering narrow rock crevices.

The story has drawn attention beyond India, with several international outlets picking it up. Wildlife experts say it serves as a case study in managing human-wildlife coexistence under pressure.

“The key takeaway is that patience and calm, evidence-based decision-making saved both a human life and a protected animal,” said Dr. Saxena. “That’s a win for conservation and for public safety.”