Residents of Byas village in the Paonta Sahib forest division of Sirmaur district were left in shock and concern after a massive King Cobra, one of the world’s most venomous snakes, was spotted in the area. The rare sighting, reported over the last two days, prompted swift action from the local Forest Department, ensuring a safe and successful rescue operation.
The presence of the nearly 10-foot-long King Cobra in the village was first reported by local resident Pankaj Kumar, who immediately informed the authorities. Given the snake’s highly poisonous nature, its presence in a human-inhabited area caused widespread fear among locals.
Responding promptly, a team of forest officials, including Range Officer Surender Sharma and Forest Guards Virendra Sharma and Vinkesh Chauhan, launched a meticulous search operation. After several hours of careful efforts, the team successfully located and rescued the King Cobra without causing harm to either the reptile or the residents. The snake was later safely released into its natural habitat deep within the forest.
Forest officials believe this may be the first-ever recorded rescue of a King Cobra in Himachal Pradesh. While King Cobras are typically found in the forests of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, their presence in the Shivalik foothills of Himachal is rare.
The region where the snake was found is part of the Moist Bhabbar Dun Sal forest in Paonta Sahib, known for its high humidity levels – a critical factor supporting the presence of King Cobras. This area, forming the northernmost limit of Moist Sal forests in India, has also seen an increase in Asian elephant sightings in the past 3-4 years, suggesting a dynamic shift in local biodiversity.
The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) holds a unique status among reptiles. Unlike most venomous snakes, it primarily preys on other snakes and uses its potent neurotoxic venom to swiftly subdue its prey. Despite its fearsome reputation, the King Cobra is not typically aggressive toward humans unless provoked.
Due to habitat destruction and increasing human encroachment, encounters with this species have become more frequent. Experts believe that conservation efforts are essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem while ensuring human safety.
Paonta Sahib’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aishwarya Raj urged residents to remain calm in case of future wildlife encounters. “If anyone spots a wild animal, especially a snake, they should immediately inform the
Forest Department instead of attempting to handle the situation themselves,” he advised.
Notably, the first-ever sighting of a King Cobra in Himachal Pradesh was reported near Kollar village on National Highway 72 a few years ago. Since then, sporadic sightings have occurred in the Sal forests of Sirmaur, confirming that the species has a small but significant presence in the state.
As biodiversity continues to evolve in the Shivalik region, such incidents serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and the natural world.
By
