Archive · 3 Sep 2026
How a Fisherman Can Safely Escape an Octopus Grip
A fisherman in the Philippines caught an octopus, but it grabbed his face with its arms and suction cups.
He tried to remove it and eventually used a piece of bamboo to hit it until it let go.
Experts say octopuses usually do not attack people on purpose.
They may hold on when they feel trapped, frightened, or repeatedly disturbed.
If one sticks to your face, try to stay calm.
Do not yank it away, because that could hurt your skin or make it grip harder.
Move carefully toward shallow water or shore if you are in the sea.
Another person can help loosen the arms and suction cups gently.
Anyone with a bite, puncture wound, breathing trouble, or unusual nervous-system symptoms should get medical help.
Philippine fisherman Jesser Cervantes went viral after an octopus suctioned onto his face.
Cervantes said the octopus was difficult to handle and nearly ripped his face.
Experts say octopuses usually avoid people and become defensive when trapped or disturbed.
People should avoid forcefully pulling an octopus away because this can worsen the grip and cause injuries.
Experts recommend moving toward safety, loosening individual suction cups gradually, and seeking medical care for serious symptoms or bites.
- Who
- Jesser Cervantes, a fisherman in the Philippines, and veterinary experts Dr Deepraj Prajapati and Dr Madan Kompal.
- What
- An octopus suctioned onto Cervantes’s face, prompting advice on safely removing an attached octopus.
- When
- Recently, according to the article.
- Where
- The incident occurred in the Philippines; the precise location was not stated.
- Why
- The octopus likely held on defensively after being caught and handled, while experts offered guidance to prevent injury during removal.
- Person involved
- Jesser Cervantes, a fisherman in the Philippines.
- Animal behavior
- Octopuses generally avoid people but may become defensive when cornered, trapped, stepped on, or repeatedly disturbed.
- Initial response
- People should remain calm and avoid forcefully pulling the octopus away.
- Safer removal
- Gently work at the edge of an arm or individual suction cups rather than pulling the whole animal at once.
- Location advice
- If in water, move toward a safe, shallow area or the shore while avoiding sudden movements.
- Medical warning
- Bites, puncture wounds, neurological signs, breathing difficulty, or exposure to an unidentified species warrant prompt medical evaluation.