This is the heartwarming moment an injured snake found on the roadside was treated by residents in India.

Kunj Bihari, also known as 'Snake Friend,' spotted a bleeding Indian rat snake near his village, prompting him to rush it to a veterinary hospital for treatment in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, on December 1.

The rescuer reportedly aided the snake at home, but he noticed that the animal was struggling to move, causing him to transport it to a nearby animal clinic.

Footage shows veterinary pharmacist Virendra Verma gauzing the reptile's wounds and cleaning its skin with a topical antiseptic.

Health worker Virendra Verma said: 'The snake has a broken spinal cord, and we have stitched its injuries. We also injected it with medication.'

The veterinarian has scheduled a follow-up for further treatment.

Kunj Bihari has a passion for saving snakes, including venomous reptiles. He is known to treat injured snakes and take them to the hospital when needed. He aims to change people's perception of snakes who are viewed as purely dangerous threats.

Indian rat snakes are non-venomous reptiles and don't cause any harm to humans. They can grow up to 15 ft (4.5 m) long and are known for their ability to move faster than a horse.

Snakes hold great cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, symbolising eternity, divine knowledge, rebirth, and mortality.