Mangaluru: A critically injured male cobra, nearly six feet in length and estimated to be 12–15 years old, has been successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild after suffering severe head trauma and losing vision in one eye.
The snake was discovered in a distressed state by wildlife rescuer Dheeraj from Bantwal, bearing injuries close to its venom gland and a serious infection around the head area. Recognizing the urgency, Dheeraj handed the cobra over to veterinary doctors Yashasvi Naravi and Meghana Pemmaiah, who immediately began intensive treatment.
The veterinary duo performed minor surgery, thoroughly cleaned and sutured the wound, and closely monitored the cobra’s recovery over four days. Dr Yashasvi mentioned that the injuries may have been caused by construction-related disturbances, an increasingly common threat to snake populations in the region.
He also remarked on the public’s growing tendency to rescue cobras, attributing it to the revered status of the species in Indian culture, which often invokes a sense of responsibility and respect.
After showing signs of recovery and becoming pain-free, the cobra was released back into its natural environment, marking a rare success story in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
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