Large Spectacled Cobra Safely Rescued from Navi Mumbai School Campus
In a dramatic wildlife rescue operation, a 5-feet-long spectacled cobra was successfully removed from the premises of a school in Rabale, Navi Mumbai. The incident occurred on the grounds of a Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) school, where the venomous snake had inadvertently entered the campus.
Swift Action by Rescue Team Prevents Potential Danger
The rescue was carried out by the Sahyadri Group's dedicated snake rescue team, led by rescuer Akshay Dange. According to Dange, the adult cobra had likely wandered onto the school property due to the surrounding natural environment. "The adult cobra accidentally entered the school premises since there are several patches of wilderness around the hilly slopes at Rabale," Dange explained.
Upon receiving the alert, the team responded promptly to the location. They found the cobra in a highly alert and defensive posture, with its hood fully expanded—a classic sign of agitation in this species. Despite the potential risk, the experienced rescuers managed to safely capture the snake without any harm to the animal or themselves.
Safe Release into Natural Habitat Ensures Cobra's Well-being
Following the successful rescue, the spectacled cobra was transported to a forested area far from human settlements and released back into its natural habitat. This careful relocation is a standard practice in wildlife conservation to prevent human-snake conflicts and ensure the snake's survival.
Dange emphasized the importance of such operations: "Our rescue team quickly reached the spot and safely rescued the cobra, which was already in an alert, defensive posture with its hood up. Releasing it in a forested area away from urban zones is crucial for both public safety and the snake's welfare."
Context and Broader Implications for Urban Wildlife
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of urban wildlife encounters in rapidly developing areas like Navi Mumbai. As construction and human activity expand into natural habitats, interactions between wildlife and people become more frequent. The Sahyadri Group's efforts underscore the need for professional rescue services to handle such situations safely and humanely.
Residents and school authorities are advised to remain vigilant and contact certified rescue teams if they encounter snakes or other wildlife, rather than attempting to handle them independently. This approach helps protect both human communities and local biodiversity.
