Vishakhapatnam: The brutal killing of an adult cobra and 22 juvenile cobras by some farmers near Chodavaram mandal in the district, about 50 km from the city, has triggered outrage among wildlife activists. According to sources, farmers K. Demudu and N. Ramu of Lakkavaram, found the snakes coming out of a snake pit while they were working on their field. They called some locals and killed all the snakes.
Some felt repentant afterwards, and feared that they had committed a ‘sin’. These people put all the snakes together under a tree and worshipped them, asking forgiveness. Wildlife activist Vivek Rathod said forest officials should sensitise the public about how to react when they come across snakes and added that the cobras do not bite until provoked. People should be informed how they can rescue the snakes.
