Gurugram: Panic gripped a family in Gurugram’s Garhauli Kalan village after a continuous hissing sound coming from their toilet revealed an unexpected danger — a six-foot-long spectacled cobra hiding beneath the toilet seat.
The residents could hear the snake but were unable to locate it. Wildlife conservator Anil Gandas was called to the house to investigate the unusual situation.
Hissing grows louder as rescue begins
Gandas carefully tapped the toilet seat, following which the hissing sound became louder.
The toilet seat was eventually broken open, revealing the highly venomous spectacled cobra concealed in a narrow space underneath it.
A lengthy rescue operation followed, during which the snake was carefully removed from the house and taken to safety.
The discovery left residents shaken, as the cobra had remained hidden in a place that would ordinarily be considered one of the most private and familiar areas of a home.
Monsoon brings more snakes into homes
Gandas said increasing urbanisation and ongoing construction were rapidly reducing forests and open fields, leaving snakes with less natural habitat and food.
As a result, snakes are increasingly entering residential areas in search of rats and other sources of food.
According to Gandas, around 70 snakes were rescued in Gurugram during August alone, while more than 200 rescues have been carried out in the city over the past three months.
Residents urged to stay alert
Residents have been advised to remain particularly vigilant during the monsoon season.
Gandas suggested avoiding sleeping directly on the floor at night and using mosquito nets. He also advised residents to keep food covered to prevent attracting rats, which can in turn draw snakes into homes.
The Gurugram rescue serves as a reminder that snakes can find their way into surprisingly confined spaces, making caution especially important during the rainy season.