Quick-thinking locals immediately alerted the Snake Helpline, prompting a swift response. Two helpline members arrived at the scene, first informing the forest department before cautiously beginning the challenging task of capturing the enormous snake.
In a dramatic yet heartening incident in Odisha’s Ganjam district, a massive venomous King Cobra was safely captured and released into the wild, averting potential danger in a densely populated area.
The encounter occurred Thursday morning in the Chikiti Pent area of Chikiti NAC, near the Union Bank. Residents were stunned when an approximately 12-foot-long King Cobra appeared, causing panic in the bustling neighborhood.
Quick-thinking locals immediately alerted the Snake Helpline, prompting a swift response. Two helpline members arrived at the scene, first informing the forest department before cautiously beginning the challenging task of capturing the enormous snake.
After a tense but carefully managed operation, the duo successfully captured the cobra. It was then placed in a sack and transported to the nearby Kerandimal forest, where it was safely released back into its natural habitat.
Remarkably, no one was harmed during the rescue, bringing immense relief to the local community. Residents praised the efforts of the Snake Helpline and the forest department for their bravery and timely intervention in managing such a perilous situation.
Cobra, python rescued from Odisha village
Earlier, forest officials in Odisha’s Kendrapara district rescued two snakes after they entered residential areas in villages close to Bhitarkanika National Park. The reptiles were later released back into their natural habitat without any harm.
According to officials, a five-foot-long monocled cobra was found in the backyard of a house in Khamarasahi village. In a separate incident, a nine-foot-long python was rescued from Righagada village. Both operations were carried out by forest staff after villagers alerted the authorities.
Residents acted responsibly by informing officials instead of attempting to handle the snakes themselves. Their cooperation helped ensure the safe rescue of the reptiles.
After being captured, both snakes were released into the mangrove forests of the national park, which provide a suitable and safe environment for such species.
Forest officials noted that while these snakes are dangerous, they usually do not attack humans unless they feel threatened. Most incidents occur when the animals act in self-defence.
Bhitarkanika’s mangrove ecosystem supports a large population of reptiles, with more than 3,000 snakes, including cobras and pythons, living in the area.
