A cobra measuring nearly four-and-a-half feet in length was rescued on Tuesday morning after it was discovered trapped inside a rat cage at a residence in Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar.
The incident occurred at HIG-116, the house of local resident Som Patel. The family had set up a cage trap to catch rats, a common precaution in residential areas. However, when they heard unusual noises coming from the trap, they initially assumed a rodent had been caught. To their shock, they found a cobra confined inside the cage upon closer inspection.
Realising the potential danger, the family immediately contacted Snake Helpline for professional assistance. A trained rescuer from Snake Helpline promptly reached the spot and carefully freed the reptile without causing harm to it or the residents. The cobra was later released into a suitable natural habitat outside the city limits.
Wildlife experts note that with rising temperatures and recent rainfall, snakes often emerge from their burrows in search of food and shelter. Residential areas, especially cool and concealed spaces such as outdoor air-conditioning units, storage corners, and gardens, can inadvertently attract reptiles.
Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid attempting to handle snakes themselves. In case of sightings, it is recommended to contact trained wildlife rescuers to ensure safety for both humans and animals.