Udalguri-Sonitpur, Aug 2: A medium-sized Monocled cobra was safely rescued from a residence in Dhekiajuli town of Assam’s Sonitpur district, prompting wildlife experts to advise residents to remain alert as snake movement is expected to increase during the summer months.
The rescue operation was carried out at the residence of retired teacher Nandalal Das at Ward No. 8 under the supervision of the nature conservation organisation Aranyam Seuj Society.
According to the organisation, Das spotted the venomous snake inside his house and alerted Aranyam Seuj Society president Sanjoy Baruah. Acting on the instructions of Dhekiajuli Forest Range Officer Pallavi Das, snake rescuer Samar Ali successfully rescued the cobra with assistance from Baruah and personnel from the Dhekiajuli Forest Range Office.
The rescued snake was later handed over to Forester Kandarp Baidya and forest guards Rupam Konwar, Dhanmoni Nath and Diganta Das at the Dhekiajuli Forest Range Office for further action.
During the operation, snake expert Saurav Borkataki, chief advisor of the Sarpabandhab Saurav Borkataki Team, interacted with forest officials over the phone and highlighted the likelihood of increased snake movement in rural areas during the warmer season.
Borkataki said cobras and other snake species may move closer to human settlements in search of food, shelter or due to changing temperatures. He urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and exercise caution while moving outdoors at night.
He also advised people not to panic, provoke or attempt to capture snakes if encountered. Instead, they should immediately inform trained snake rescuers or the Forest Department to ensure the safe rescue and relocation of the reptile.
