A cobra was rescued from the Yamuna Bank metro station on Monday morning by Wildlife SOS after the animal rescue organisation got a distress call from the station that a snake was spotted on the premises.
The Wildlife SOS helpline team rushed to the spot and searched the premises. Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder, Wildlife SOS, said: “We have to initially ensure that all potential hiding places are scrutinised and escape routes blocked off so we don’t lose the cobra. Then we carefully removed the snake without cornering it or alarming it too much so as to prevent any accidents. The entire operation has to be carried out very carefully keeping public safety, the safety of the snake and the safety of the Wildlife SOS rescuer in mind.”
“Sometimes, these rescue operations can be dangerous and risky, but someone has to do it in the interest of public safety and to protect nature,” he added.
Geeta Seshamani, co-founder Wildlife SOS, said: “The common cobra or Naja naja is one of the two species of venomous snakes found in Delhi. Cobras seldom bite, but will give out a warning sign by displaying their hood. The snake uses its venom primarily to hunt prey like rats, mice and frogs. People get accidentally bitten only when they step on the snake or attempt to catch or handle these snakes.”
The snake was rescued well in time and removed without any major harm. “The snake was found to be healthy and has since been released back in its natural habitat,’’ added Mr. Satyanarayan.
