Why Fear Snakes? Rethinking Our Relationship with Wildlife | Surya Keerthi | TEDxGCEM

Fear of snakes is often rooted in their appearance, local myths and limited understanding of wildlife. In this TEDxGCEM talk, wildlife conservationist and animal rescuer Surya Keerthi draws on his snake rescue work to examine the wider relationship between people and wildlife. He discusses how human activities contribute to human–wildlife conflict and argues for understanding and coexistence over fear. The talk also reflects on what conservation means in practice, including the idea that giving nature undisturbed space is sometimes the most effective way to protect it. The speaker is from Karnataka and founded the Surya Keerthi Wildlife Conservation Project.

• Why people fear snakes: appearance, myths and lack of understanding
• Human activities and human–wildlife conflict
• Rescue, rehabilitation and public education as conservation work
• Giving nature undisturbed space to thrive

Why do we fear snakes? Is it the way they look, the myths surrounding them, or our lack of understanding of the natural world? In this talk, wildlife conservationist and animal rescuer Surya Keerthi uses his experiences with snake rescue to explore a much larger issue: our relationship with wildlife. He challenges common misconceptions, highlights how human activities contribute to human–wildlife conflict, and encourages us to replace fear with understanding and coexistence. Going beyond individual rescues, Surya reflects on what conservation truly means and why protecting wildlife requires us to recognise our responsibility towards the natural world. His message reminds us that sometimes, the best way to protect nature is to give it the space to thrive undisturbed. Surya Keerthi is a wildlife conservationist, animal rescuer, and educator from Karnataka, with over 13 years of dedicated pro bono service. As the founder of the Surya Keerthi Wildlife Conservation Project, he has rescued more than 30,000 snakes and 10,000 other animals and birds, working extensively on human-animal conflict in the region. His work goes beyond rescue and relocation, encompassing animal rehabilitation, habitat restoration, public education, and wildlife awareness. Through his distinctive “Open- Air Classroom” approach, every rescue becomes an opportunity to educate communities about wildlife, ecological roles, and preventive safety, helping transform fear into curiosity and empathy. His conservation efforts have received national attention, including a feature on National Geographic’s Snakes in the City. Through rescue initiatives, sanctuary efforts, and public outreach, he continues to promote informed, and compassionate coexistence between people and wildlife. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx