World Snake Day: Meet rare two-headed wolf snake discovered in Odisha’s Keonjhar forest

A stunning image of a rare two-headed wolf snake, originally rescued and released in May 2020, gained renewed attention today when Odisha Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha shared it on X to mark World Snake Day, aiming to highlight the richness of Odisha’s biodiversity.

According to reports, when discovered by Wildlife Biologist Rakesh Mohalik, the juvenile snake measured approximately 14 cm. 

Belonging to the non-venomous wolf snake species (Lycodon aulicus), its striking dicephalic condition of two fully formed heads, four eyes, and two tongues grabbed the attention of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide when its photo was shared by Mohalik.

On #WorldSnakeDay, we celebrate a rare serpent sighted Keonjhar Wildlife Sanctuary, #Odisha.
Spotted & safely released into the wild by our Wildlife Biologist Rakesh Mohalik.
📸: Rakesh Mohalik (Wildlife Headquarters, Bhubaneswar)#SnakeConservation #Biodiversity #OdishaWildlife pic.twitter.com/T6hWAyaiQD

— Prem Kumar Jha (@Prem_CWLWOdisha) July 16, 2025

Notably, the snake’s condition results from incomplete embryonic separation. While such anomalies occur naturally, the survival of these reptiles in the wild is typically short-lived due to challenges like independent feeding attempts by each head.

Rediscovering Odisha’s Hidden Herpetofauna

Initially rescued from the Dhenkikote range of Keonjhar Wildlife Sanctuary, the snake was safely released back into its forest home in 2020. Its rediscovery through Jha’s powerful image highlighted the region’s vibrant reptilian diversity.

It is worth noting that Odisha is home to more than 70 snake species, many non-venomous, including the commonly sighted wolf snake, which play vital ecological roles, such as controlling rodent populations.

The two-headed wolf snake stands as a potent symbol of nature’s marvels and the challenges facing biodiversity. As interest in this rare find resurfaces, experts urge communities, foresters, and policymakers to continue collaborative efforts in safeguarding these species, ensuring that Odisha’s forest ecosystems remain alive with their silent, slithering inhabitants.