Giant Python Cluster Spotted in Himachal’s Kangra; Viral Video Sparks Panic

New Delhi, March 19, 2026 — A spine-chilling video featuring a cluster of massive pythons has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of panic among residents in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The footage, which began circulating early Thursday, shows several giant reptiles entwined together, a sight rarely seen in such close proximity to human settlements in the region.

Discovery Near Local Temple

According to local reports, the “herd” of pythons was spotted by commuters and devotees on the path leading toward the Klothera Mata Temple in the Gahlian area of Kangra. Eyewitnesses claimed that at least five to six massive pythons were visible, forming a dense, moving cluster near the roadside greenery.

The sight of multiple apex predators in one spot quickly drew a crowd, though most kept a terrified distance. Residents expressed shock at the size of the snakes, with some estimating them to be several meters in length.

Social Media Reaction and Public Alarm

The video, shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, shows the pythons coiled together in what experts suggest could be a mating ball or a communal basking behavior. While the natural phenomenon is known to herpetologists, the visual of “giant snakes in a huddle” proved too intense for many netizens.

• Local Concerns: Residents of Gahlian and surrounding villages have raised alarms regarding the safety of children and livestock.
• Viral Reach: Within hours of being posted, the clip garnered thousands of views, with many users tagging the Forest Department to intervene.

Authorities Respond

Local authorities and members of the Forest Department have been notified of the sighting. Wildlife experts noted that while pythons are native to the lower Himalayan foothills, seeing a cluster of this size is uncommon for the general public.

Officials have urged residents not to panic or take matters into their own hands. “Wild animals should be given their space. We advise people not to provoke the reptiles or attempt to capture them, as this can lead to dangerous encounters,” a local wildlife representative stated.