12-Foot King Cobra Rescued In Odisha's Rayagada District
18 April 2025 12:07 PM IST18 April 2025 12:07 PM IST
The snake was spotted by construction workers at a site in the Kolanara area, known for its tribal population and dense forest cover
A Snake Helpline member with the rescued king cobra in Odisha’s Rayagada district. (Photo by arrangement)
Bhubaneswar: A massive king cobra, nearly 12 feet in length, was rescued in a dramatic operation in Odisha’s Rayagada district on Thursday, drawing significant public attention and highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.
The snake was spotted by construction workers at a site in the Kolanara area, known for its tribal population and dense forest cover. Alarmed by the unexpected sighting, the workers immediately contacted a local snake rescue team.
Rescuers arrived promptly and safely captured the giant cobra without incident. The reptile was later handed over to the forest department for examination and eventual release.
Rayagada Assistant Conservator of Forests A.K. Pradhan confirmed that the snake was released into the Guma forest after a health check. “It was in good condition and was safely relocated to its natural habitat,” he said.
The rare sighting attracted a large crowd of onlookers, eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic snake. While Odisha is home to diverse wildlife, such large-scale encounters in semi-populated areas are relatively rare.
Wildlife Warden Dr. Gourang Charan Rout used the opportunity to stress the importance of community awareness during human-wildlife interactions. “We urge people to immediately report such sightings. Timely response is essential for both public safety and wildlife conservation,” he said.
The snake was spotted by construction workers at a site in the Kolanara area, known for its tribal population and dense forest cover. Alarmed by the unexpected sighting, the workers immediately contacted a local snake rescue team.
Rescuers arrived promptly and safely captured the giant cobra without incident. The reptile was later handed over to the forest department for examination and eventual release.
Rayagada Assistant Conservator of Forests A.K. Pradhan confirmed that the snake was released into the Guma forest after a health check. “It was in good condition and was safely relocated to its natural habitat,” he said.
The rare sighting attracted a large crowd of onlookers, eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic snake. While Odisha is home to diverse wildlife, such large-scale encounters in semi-populated areas are relatively rare.
Wildlife Warden Dr. Gourang Charan Rout used the opportunity to stress the importance of community awareness during human-wildlife interactions. “We urge people to immediately report such sightings. Timely response is essential for both public safety and wildlife conservation,” he said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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