Bhubaneswar: A rare snake belonging to the ornate flying species was rescued from near Bhubaneswar railway station today morning. One person has been arrested for trafficking the snake from Asansol area of West Bengal.
Locals spotted a person with the nearly 2-feet long snake near the railway station and informed the police. After preliminary enquiry, police handed over the reptile to the forest department and arrested the accused.
Scientifically known as Chrysopelia Ornata, flying snakes are one of the rarest species of serpent which actually cannot fly but derive their name from the ability to easily glide between trees.
They have a characteristic red-spotted colour with crossbars at intervals all over the body which make them attractive. They also have mildly toxic poison which is dangerous only to their small prey.
Flying snakes often get killed due to misidentification as dangerous reptile and loss of habitat has also taken a toll on their numbers. Found in some parts of North Bengal, they are believed to be used in snake charming work.