18-ft long king cobra rescued from Similipal village

Baripada: With the help of Snake Helpline members, the Forest department on Sunday rescued a huge king cobra from a village on the foothills of Similipal in Mayurbhanj district.

According to reports, some people of Khandabuda village under Dukura Forest range noticed a huge king cobra trying to enter a house. As they tried to keep the snake out of the house, it hid inside a nearby bush.

Following information, a team of Forest staff and a member of Snake Helpline rushed to the village and caught the snake, which was later released near Ambapani nullah in the buffer area of Similipal National Park.

Talking to OTV, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Baripada, Sanjay Kumar Swain said the 18 feet long female king cobra had no injury.

“The number of king cobra in Odisha is gradually declining. But the presence of this huge king cobra, which was rescued today, is definitely a good news for the Forest department. Efforts should be made to increase their population,” he added.