A brave rescuer saved a 7-foot-long python trapped in a canal in the Bargarh District in the Indian state of Odisha on Saturday (October 16).

The snake was stuck at an iron gate in the water with no way of getting out. Locals who spotted the animal called an animal rescuer who balanced over the canal, catching the snake by its tail and lifting it to safety.

The animal was later handed over to local forest officials who then released it.

An Indian python was washed away by canal waters in Bargarh District of Odisha on October 16.

The seven-feet-long snake managed to climb an iron gate that is used to regulate the water flow but had no way of climbing out of the canal.

Seeing that the snake was stranded, a passerby made a call to rescuer Chandrabhanu Naik, who rushed to the spot. He got down the canal and caught the python by its tail. He handed over the snake to local forest officials, who later released it in a nearby forest.

Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary of Snake Helpline said: “Naik faced the risk of falling into the water while rescuing the snake. He held his nerve and completed his mission successfully.”