Odisha: 30-Plus Cobra Hatchlings Rescued From Burrow Beneath Tree In Odisha Village
Alarmed by the sighting, family members alerted neighbours, following which trained snake rescuers were called to the spot: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: Panic gripped a village on the outskirts of Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district after an adult cobra and more than 30 hatchlings were discovered inside a burrow beneath a stone apple tree, prompting a carefully coordinated rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Parulia village, where residents first spotted a large cobra disappearing into a hole at the base of a stone apple (wood apple) tree located in front of the house of Gouranga Nayak.
Alarmed by the sighting, family members alerted neighbours, following which trained snake rescuers were called to the spot.
During a meticulous search, rescuers removed a few bricks around the tree and examined the underground burrow. To their surprise, they found more than 30 cobra hatchlings inside the nest, indicating that the site had become a breeding ground for the highly venomous reptiles.
The hatchlings were carefully rescued and secured without causing harm to either the snakes or the rescue team. The operation also allayed fears among villagers, who had gathered in large numbers to witness the rescue.
“I received a phone call around 3 pm informing me that a large cobra had entered a hole near a tree. After reaching the spot, I removed a few bricks around the tree and found more than 30 cobra hatchlings inside the burrow,” snake rescuer Krushnachandra Gocchayat said.
No injuries were reported during the operation.
Wildlife experts advised residents not to attempt to handle snakes on their own and instead immediately inform trained rescuers or the forest department whenever such sightings occur.