Barak Valley Wildlife Division Team Rescue 10.5-ft King Cobra from House in Dholai

A 10.5-foot king cobra was safely rescued from a house at Panibhora, Dholai in Assam’s Cachar on Friday evening after locals alerted rescuers from Barak Valley Wildlife Division about a large black snake inside the premises. The reptile was later released into its natural habitat following standard rescue procedures.

According to wildlife conservationist Trikal Chakrabarty, the rescue team reached the spot soon after receiving the call and identified the snake as a king cobra, one of the world’s longest venomous snakes. The operation lasted about 30 minutes and was completed without injury to people or the animal.

The rescue was carried out by Trikal Chakrabarty along with Guneshwar Brahma from the Barak Valley Wildlife Division, with assistance from locals Yogesh Thapa, Rohit Sarkar and Sajal Kumar Das. Chakrabarty said the cooperation of the public was crucial in ensuring the snake was not harmed and could be safely relocated.

He also conducted an awareness session for villagers, explaining that the king cobra is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and should not be killed or disturbed. Locally, the species is known as “Shonko Chouk” or “Raj Panak Saap”.

Chakrabarty, who is known in the region for rescuing snakes and promoting conservation awareness, urged people to inform trained rescuers whenever snakes enter human settlements instead of attempting to handle them on their own.

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world’s longest venomous snake and is rarely seen in human settlements, as it prefers dense forests and wetlands. Though not commonly encountered, its population is declining in parts of its range due to habitat loss and persecution. As a top predator that controls other snake populations, it plays an important ecological role. Its potent venom and defensive behaviour make it highly dangerous, so rescues must only be handled by trained professionals.