Indian forest ranger strangled by python posing for selfie

INDIA — A forest ranger in eastern India was almost strangled to death by a python while trying to take a selfie with it.

The locals had called for help in capturing the poisonous python, which had reportedly just offed a goat.

Mr. Speaks-With-Snakes showed up and captured the slithering reptile. But that's not all.

According to the Khaleej Times, he then decided to pose with the serpent while locals gathered around and took selfies.

Then for some strange reason, the snake started twisting and turning around the man's neck.

Fortunately, the locals saved the ranger's rear end. The snake was later released into the wild.

The forest ranger commented to AFP saying his first instinct was "to rescue the snake." So was his second instinct to get strangled by the snake?