Jesser Cervantes, a fisherman from the Philippines, recently gained significant attention on social media after a video captured his struggle to detach an octopus that had latched onto his face, its tentacles entwined around him. Despite his efforts to pry the creature off, it clung on tenaciously. In a moment of desperation, he resorted to using a piece of cut bamboo to strike the octopus in an effort to loosen its hold.
Ultimately, after several attempts, Cervantes succeeded in freeing himself and released the octopus back into the sea. “The octopus I caught was very difficult to manage. It nearly tore my face,” Cervantes commented, as reported by the New York Post.
In an expert analysis, Dr. Deepraj Prajapati, a senior veterinarian at RD Pet Hospital in Ambedkar Nagar, explained that octopuses are typically non-aggressive creatures. He noted that they usually respond to human encounters by seeking to hide, blend into their surroundings, retreat to a den, or swim away swiftly. However, if they feel threatened—whether by being trapped, handled, or disturbed—they may resort to defensive behaviors. These include changing color, altering body posture, releasing ink, or using their arms and beak if the situation escalates. Such actions are generally aimed at facilitating their escape rather than engaging in an attack.
From a veterinary and animal behavior standpoint, Dr. Prajapati recommends keeping a safe distance and allowing the octopus an opportunity to flee. “An octopus exhibiting color changes, withdrawing, jetting away, or releasing ink is signaling that it is under stress or feels threatened,” he added.
In cases similar to that of Jesser Cervantes, Dr. Madan Kompal, a specialist in veterinary surgery and wildlife, advises remaining calm and avoiding the impulse to forcefully remove the octopus. “If an octopus attaches to your face, yanking it off can result in skin injuries and may cause the animal to grip even tighter. If you are in water, it is best to slowly move towards a shallow area or the shore while minimizing sudden movements. Assistance from another person can be beneficial for safe removal,” he explained.
The key to a successful detachment lies in gently loosening the grip. Dr. Kompal suggests that instead of trying to pull the entire creature off at once, one should work gradually at the edge of an arm or individual suction cups. Water can aid in visibility and control during the removal process.
He also cautions against using sharp objects or aggressive techniques, as these can cause harm to both the individual and the octopus. “After removal, any signs of bites, puncture wounds, neurological symptoms, breathing difficulties, or exposure to an unidentified species should be promptly assessed by a medical professional. If the species is unfamiliar, seeking medical evaluation is critical, as certain octopuses can deliver venom through their bites,” he warned.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.
