Assam University Biologist Ankur Nandi Rescues 11-foot-long King Cobra from Borjalenga

A 11-foot-long King Cobra, weighing around 4.2 kg, was safely rescued from a rural household in the Borjalenga area of the Cachar district on Saturday (December 20), averting a potentially dangerous situation for locals. The highly venomous reptile was slithering under the roof of the house.

The rescue operation was carried out by Ankur Nandi, a biologist associated with the Department of Life Sciences at Assam University, Silchar. Speaking about the rescue, Ankur highlighted that many people are unaware that King Cobras are not true cobras; however, they are closely related.

He further explained that Northern King Cobras are highly arboreal, often found high up in bamboo canopies. “You wouldn’t even realise that a 14-foot King Cobra could be sitting right above your head,” he said, adding that the species is among the most intelligent reptiles, with advanced problem-solving abilities. According to experts, individual King Cobras can display distinct personalities and moods.

The snake was captured unharmed and underwent a brief health check-up, followed by measurement. It was later released into a bamboo forest, its natural habitat.

Issuing a strong warning, Ankur urged the public not to attempt catching snakes, especially King Cobras, as they are highly venomous. “Unless you are a trained biologist or a Forest Department official, do not try to handle such animals. Apart from the life-threatening risk, there are severe legal penalties for doing so,” he cautioned.