A video clip captured the shocking moment a man was almost killed by a massive snake while answering nature’s call.

The footage, taken in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, shows his eyes wide with fear as the 17ft python wraps itself around his body.

The man is understood to have been defecating in the bushes near a small hamlet when he was attacked by the giant reptile.

Fortunately, however, his screams were heard by a group of locals, who came to help unentangle him from the snake’s grip.

By that time the python was already tightening around the man’s neck as it prepared to swallow him whole.

In the clip, some of the men are heard saying ‘kill it’ as one of them hacks at the reptile with an axe.

The victim is understood to have been taken to hospital, where he received immediate medical attention.

Local authorities have since encouraged members of the community not to venture out into the bushes alone.

It’s not the only story of a giant snake attack to have made headlines in recent weeks.