Mangaluru: In a tragic incident, an experienced snake catcher died after he was bit by a venomous snake. The incident took place at Ontikatte in Moodibidri.

The deceased is identified as Dolphy Roshan D’Souza. He was 35.

Dolphy was a painter by profession. Over the years, he had also taken a liking towards catching reptiles that strayed into private properties and release them in the wild. He had conducted several such operations successfully.

However, on Saturday evening, as he was at work, painting a compound wall, a highly poisonous snake, suspected to be Russel’s Viper (Kandodi), bit him. Another painter Vishwanath rushed him to hospital in the area. After primary treatment, he was taken to the District Government Wenlock Hospital. However, by the time he reached the hospital, Dolphy was dead, police said.

Dolphy is survived by mother and three sisters. While the two elder sisters are married, Dolphy used to stay with his younger sister and mother, police said. His mother works as a maid in a few houses to support the family.