Worried villages heave sigh of relief
Snake rescuer Pradeep Gavandalkar after successfully capturing the 16-foot-long king cobra at Assoda in Sattari taluka.
VALPOI
Panic spread through Assoda village in Sattari taluka after a massive 16-foot-long king cobra was spotted near a residential area. The situation was brought under control thanks to the swift response of snake rescuer Pradeep Gavandalkar and Forest Department rescuer Sameer Asnodkar, who successfully captured the reptile and ensured the safety of local residents. The snake was later handed over to Forest Range Officer Shyamsundar Gawas for further action.
According to sources, the king cobra was sighted near the residence of Subhash Narayan Gavkar in Assoda, under Khotoda panchayat. The presence of the highly venomous snake in close proximity to homes created concern among villagers and raised fears about public safety.
Upon noticing the reptile, Subhash Gavkar immediately alerted snake rescuer Pradeep Gavandalkar. Responding promptly, Gavandalkar arrived at the location along with Forest Department rescuer Sameer Asnodkar. After carefully assessing the situation, the duo launched a rescue operation and successfully captured the snake without causing harm to either the reptile or the public.
Speaking after the rescue, Gavandalkar said immediate action was necessary as the snake was moving close to residential houses. He also appreciated the cooperation of local residents, whose support helped ensure the smooth conduct of the operation.
A large crowd gathered at the site as the rescue unfolded, with anxious residents closely monitoring the efforts. Many had appealed to authorities to remove the snake quickly to prevent any untoward incident. Following the successful rescue, villagers expressed relief and gratitude to the rescuers.
The king cobra was subsequently handed over to Forest Range Officer Shyamsundar Gawas. Forest officials are expected to release the snake back into its natural habitat after completing the necessary 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. The abundance of prey such as rodents, frogs, and lizards around residential areas often attracts snakes into inhabited zones.
The Forest Department and trained snake rescuers have appealed to the public to remain calm when encountering snakes. Residents are advised to maintain a safe distance and immediately contact authorised rescuers or forest officials rather than attempting to catch or kill the reptiles themselves.
