Conservation enthusiast Silchar's Trikaal Chakraborty rescues King Cobra from Dwarbond Tea Garden

Conservation enthusiast Trikaal Chakraborty started getting calls from 6 am today by locals of Dwarbond Tea Garden. The labourers became terrified and stopped working in the plantation after seeing a ginormous snake. Chakraborty reached the tea garden at around 9 am and explained to our correspondent that the snake was a King Cobra and it’s length was 12.10 feet weighing around 7 kgs. Around 400 people gathered near the snake. It took around three hours for Chakraborty to rescue the snake as it was very stubborn.

Later the snake was relocated to a safe habitat devoid of any human presence. The locals were also educated on the species of the snake by Chakraborty as they were completely unaware.

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a venomous snake endemic to Asia. With an average length of 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) and a maximum record of 5.85 m (19.2 ft), it is the world’s longest venomous snake. Colouration of this species varies across habitats, from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. The King Cobra inhabits forests from South to Southeastern Asia where it preys chiefly on other snakes, including those of its own kind.

Despite its fearsome reputation, altercations usually only arise from an individual inadvertently exposing itself or being chased; if, however, provoked or cornered, it is capable of striking long in range and high in position. Bites from this species are medically significant which may result in a rapid fatality unless antivenom is administrated in time.

Threatened by habitat destruction, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2010. Regarded as the national reptile of India, it has an eminent position in the mythology and folk traditions of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.