Face-to-Face with Majesty: Rescuer Confronts the World's Deadliest Snake Inside an Odisha Home
A high-stakes wildlife operation recently captivated viewers after snake rescuer Murliwale Hausla documented the challenging removal of a massive King Cobra from a home in Odisha, India. The rescue, performed in the state known for its rich forests and heavy monsoon rains, highlights the critical conflict that arises when the world's largest venomous snake seeks shelter near human habitation.
The Dangerous Call from Odisha
The rescuer traveled a significant distance to the homeowner, Mr. Pintu Set, after receiving a frantic call about a large, black snake spotted inside their godown (storage shed). The property, a somewhat dilapidated house surrounded by dense jungle, provided an ideal, sheltered entry point for the animal, especially given the continuous heavy rains .
The urgency of the call was validated by the initial sighting: a large-sized King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah).
Unmasking the King Cobra
The King Cobra is an apex predator and the
longest venomous snake in the world, with the ability to kill an elephant with a single bite. Upon location, the team found a formidable specimen, estimated to be around
The massive reptile was coiled deep inside the clutter of the godown. The rescue required extreme caution as the highly active snake was both defensive and quick to move . When threatened, the King Cobra adopts its iconic defensive posture—raising its body and flaring its hood —a clear warning that commands respect.
Interestingly, the rescuer noted that the King Cobra’s favorite food is the Indian Red Snake (Dhaman) , an observation that reveals the snake’s natural role in keeping the ecosystem balanced.
A Painful Plea: Conservation Over Conflict
The most powerful moment of the rescue came when the rescuer spoke to the villagers, who admitted that if he had not arrived, they
"would have killed it" .
This response drove home the core message of the video: these animals, though terrifying, are essential and protected by law. The rescuer pleaded with the people of Odisha and all Indians to change their perception:
"These big, beautiful creatures have a mind and simple nature... We must not kill such fine animals."
He urged the public to contact experienced 'Sarpmitra' (Friends of Snakes) or the Forest Department whenever such large snakes are sighted, stressing that these magnificent creatures are essential for the environment and deserve to be saved
The King Cobra was safely packed away to be released into a distant forest, ensuring both the community's safety and the survival of the endangered reptile.
