A dramatic incident unfolded in Konala under Dongri Gram Panchayat, where a 10-foot-long King Cobra was captured by renowned reptile expert Suraj Shetty Arabail on Saturday evening.
The enormous rattlesnake was discovered in the shed of Prashantha Bhatta’s house in Konala. Upon spotting the snake, the family immediately alerted the Hauhari Forest Department, setting off a swift and coordinated response from local authorities and wildlife experts.
Sub-zonal forest officer of Ramanaguli, Mehboob Saab Ankali, Hazrat Ali Kundagola, Basavaraja Jambagi, and Prabhu Deva were among the officials who arrived at the scene to assist with the situation. They were joined by Suraj Shetty Arabail, a seasoned reptile expert with a reputation for handling such dangerous encounters.
The task of capturing the enraged rattlesnake proved to be a challenging endeavor. Suraj, with his extensive experience and expertise, engaged in a tense two-hour struggle to subdue the snake. Demonstrating both skill and bravery, he successfully captured the rattlesnake, ensuring the safety of the residents and the snake itself.
Following its capture, the rattlesnake was safely released into the forest with the cooperation of the Forest Department, ensuring that it could return to its natural habitat without further incident.
Interestingly, this is not an isolated incident in the area. Just four days earlier, a 14-foot-long rattlesnake was captured in nearby Kanakahalli, highlighting the presence of these large reptiles in the region and the ongoing efforts to manage such wildlife encounters.