A pet dog in West Champaran, Bihar, alerted a family to a nearly 12-foot king cobra locked in a fight with a large python outside their home near Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Snake rescuer Murari Kumar and a forest department team separated and relocated both reptiles deeper into the reserve. Officials said flooding likely pushed the snakes toward drier ground and urged residents not to handle snakes, to keep children and pets away, and to call wildlife authorities immediately.
Pet Dog’s Bark Reveals 12-Foot King Cobra Locked With Python Near Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Photo Credit: iStock
A family's pet dog in West Champaran, Bihar, alerted them to a startling scene: a nearly 12-foot king cobra battling an equally large python just steps from their home near the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
The encounter — which took place outside the house of resident Sona Lal Sah near the Gonouli forest office — ended without injuries to the family or to either snake, but it illustrated how flooding and habitat pressure can push wildlife into human settlements.
"We were preparing to sleep when our pet dog started barking continuously," said Nitesh Kumar, Sah's son. "When we came outside, we saw a nearly 12-foot king cobra and an equally large python locked in a fight near the house. As they struggled, they even tried to enter the house. We were terrified."
Local snake rescuer Murari Kumar, working with a forest department team, reached the scene and separated the two reptiles. Both snakes were captured safely, moved away from the settlement and released deeper inside the Valmiki reserve to reduce the chance of a repeat encounter.
Why This Happened
Officials said recent flooding and waterlogged conditions in nearby forest areas likely drove the reptiles to drier ground closer to homes. Such displacements — driven by extreme weather, habitat disruption and human development near forest edges — raise the risk of dangerous encounters for people and for wildlife.
Safety Advice
Authorities urged residents not to attempt handling or chasing snakes. Even well-meaning attempts can be deadly, especially with a venomous species such as a king cobra. Recommended actions include:
- Keep a safe distance and ensure children and pets are indoors.
- Do not try to catch, corner or chase a snake.
- Contact local wildlife or forest department officials immediately if a wild animal appears near homes.
Reducing these encounters will require better habitat protection, careful planning for communities near wildlife zones, and robust rescue systems for animals displaced by flooding and other environmental pressures.
Outcome: Both snakes were relocated and released inside the Valmiki reserve; no human or animal injuries were reported.
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