In R’gda15 feet Giant King Cobra rescued from a crusher unit in Kolnara
Rayagada (Badal Tah): A huge king cobra was spotted by workers in a crusher unitin Guakona village in Kolnara block, around 15 kms away from district headquarters. Being frightened, they called on Rayagada Forest Range office. Forest officials along with snake catcher Pradeep Senapati arrived at the spot and safely rescued the serpent, which was fifteen feet long weighing 30 kgs. The massive snake, after initial health test by veterinarian in the presence of Forest Ranger Kameswar Achari, was released in Gumma forest beat as a natural forest habitat.
During 2019, Pradip also rescued a similar massive king cobra from the kitchen of Usha Rani Dash in Hatseiskhal. Also a similar size king cobra was rescued from CRPF camp.
“The site is cladded with dense forest cover having rich biodiversity. As there is heavy blasting in the area to extract stones from the hills, it might have disturbed the habitat of the giant snake. Deforestation could be another cause for which these creatures are facing scarcity of food. Extreme heat due to climate change are pushing these reptiles into shady areas in human habitats. Hence they are creeping into human houses. We need to maintain a balanced development in the context of environment safety”, said Prof Prasanna Gantayat, Ex-Principal of Rayagada autonomous college.
This species of snake is world’s longest venomous snake and is found mainly in South-East Asia. Rayagada is home for these precious reptile. Pradep, a part of the Snake Helpline Team Rayagada emphasized the safety of these magnificent creatures by creating awareness. Generally king cobras do not attack humans unless getting irritated by human stimulus. The people must not kill this reptile. They can at best drive away the cobra from the house, if the snake helpline can’t be contacted for some reasons.
