Caption: A cobra lies trapped inside a bird cage after entering the enclosure in search of prey and killing two birds in Odisha’s Banki area. The snake was later safely rescued and released into a forest.

Bhubaneswar: A bird cage turned into an unexpected hunting ground when a nearly three-foot-long cobra slithered into the enclosure and killed two birds at a house in Banki in Odisha’s Cuttack district.

The unusual encounter took place on Wednesday, leaving the household in panic as the snake remained inside the cage after attacking the birds.

The cobra’s repeated hissing and aggressive movements prompted the residents to seek help. A snake rescue team from the State Snake Helpline was alerted and soon reached the spot.

The rescuers carefully entered the enclosure and managed to pull the cobra out without harming it. The snake was subsequently released into a forested area, according to the rescuers.

The incident has also highlighted the increased movement of snakes during the monsoon, when heavy rain can force reptiles out of burrows and other hiding places in search of food and shelter.

Snake rescuers said households should remain particularly alert around dark, damp or enclosed spaces during the rainy season. Bird cages, sheds, piles of firewood and other rarely disturbed corners can provide temporary shelter for snakes.

Residents keeping birds at home have also been advised to exercise caution while approaching, cleaning or shifting cages, especially if they are placed close to vegetation or other potential hiding spots.

For the family in Banki, however, the warning came with a dramatic reminder: even a seemingly secure bird cage can become a hunting ground when a predator finds its way inside.



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