Raising Snake Protection Awareness in Barak Valley: Trikal Chakrabarty Rescues King Cobra in Cachar, Releases It Into the Wild

In a daring evening rescue on Monday, a large black snake with a hood was discovered inside a home in Dwarbond, Cachar. The residents, concerned for their safety but keen on conserving wildlife, alerted snake rescuer Trikal Chakrabarty, a well-known wildlife conservationist specializing in reptiles. Upon his arrival, he easily identified it to be none other than the majestic King Cobra.

On September 2 evening, upon arrival at the spot, Chakrabarty identified the snake as a king cobra, a highly venomous snake. The reptile was hiding among wood logs, which posed a challenge to the rescue. Following standard safety protocols, Chakrabarty instructed the locals to clear the area to facilitate a safe rescue operation. The locals, along with officials from the Barak Valley Wildlife Division, provided crucial assistance.

The king cobra, known for its elusive nature and tendency to avoid human contact, was safely rescued and later released into its natural habitat. Chakrabarty took the opportunity to educate the community about the king cobra’s behaviour, emphasizing that these snakes are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. He highlighted that during the monsoon season, it is common for king cobras, which primarily prey on other snakes, to enter human settlements in search of food.

Expressing gratitude, Chakrabarty thanked the Barak Valley Wildlife Division and the local community for their cooperation in ensuring the safe rescue and release of the king cobra. “This successful operation is a testament to the importance of awareness and collaboration between wildlife experts and local communities,” he stated.

Chakrabarty also mentioned, “King cobras are highly venomous snakes that have the potential to kill one adult asiatic elephant in one bite and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Locally the king cobra is known as the Raj pallak”.

The incident has sparked greater awareness about the need for wildlife conservation and the importance of understanding the behaviour of reptiles like the king cobra. The collaborative effort between Chakrabarty, the residents, and wildlife officials showcases a growing commitment to protecting these magnificent creatures while ensuring public safety.