Daijiworld Media Network - Sattari
Sattari, Jun 15: Panic gripped residents of Assoda village in Goa's Sattari taluka after a massive 16-foot-long king cobra was spotted near a residential area. The situation was brought under control following a swift rescue operation carried out by snake rescuer Pradeep Gavandalkar and Forest Department rescuer Sameer Asnodkar.
According to sources, the king cobra was sighted near the residence of Subhash Narayan Gavkar in Assoda village under the Khotoda panchayat. The presence of the highly venomous reptile close to residential houses triggered concern among villagers and raised fears about public safety.
On noticing the snake, Subhash Gavkar immediately alerted snake rescuer Pradeep Gavandalkar. Responding promptly, Gavandalkar reached the spot along with Forest Department rescuer Sameer Asnodkar and assessed the situation before launching a rescue operation.
The rescuers successfully captured the king cobra without causing harm to either the reptile or nearby residents. Speaking after the operation, Gavandalkar said immediate action was necessary as the snake was moving dangerously close to residential houses. He also appreciated the cooperation extended by local residents during the rescue.
A large crowd gathered at the site as the operation unfolded, with anxious villagers closely monitoring the rescue efforts. Many residents had appealed for the immediate removal of the snake to prevent any untoward incident.
Following the successful rescue, villagers expressed relief and thanked the rescuers for their timely intervention.
The king cobra was later handed over to Forest Range Officer Shyamsundar Gawas. Forest officials are expected to release the reptile into its natural habitat after completing the required procedures.
Meanwhile, reports indicate a rise in sightings of king cobras and other large snakes across Sattari taluka in recent weeks. Wildlife experts attribute the increase to the onset of the monsoon season, during which snakes often move closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter.
Officials said the availability of prey such as rodents, frogs and lizards around residential areas frequently attracts snakes into inhabited zones during the rainy season.
The Forest Department and trained snake rescuers have appealed to residents to remain calm if they encounter snakes and to immediately contact authorised rescuers or forest officials. People have also been advised not to attempt catching or killing reptiles on their own, as such actions can be dangerous for both humans and wildlife.