Wildlife rescuer moves cupboard, then finds rare white cobra hiding beneath it inside a home

A rare white cobra was found hiding beneath a cupboard inside a home in Udaipur.

The snake was safely rescued, and its unusual coloration can make survival in the wild even more difficult.

Here's what to know

According to Pressnote, the Wild Animal Rescue Centre's divisional president went to a home in Hiran Magri Sector 11 after a snake was reported. 

In one room, the animal turned out to be a young cobra hidden under a cupboard. Once the cupboard was carefully shifted, the white snake became visible and was safely removed.

The snake's appearance was notable because cobras are typically seen in black or other dark shades, Chouhan said.

Chouhan attributed the pale color to genetics and low melanin — the pigment that normally gives skin, hair, and scales their color.

Its black eyes indicated that it was not a true albino, Chouhan said — fully albino snakes usually have reddish or brownish eyes.

Unusually colored snakes are considered extremely rare, and their visibility can make them more vulnerable in the wild.

More background

Chouhan said the unusual appearance could make the snake easier for predatory birds to spot, potentially reducing its chances of survival.

What can be done?

Homeowners should not try to handle or harm a snake themselves, Dr. Chouhan said.

Dr. Chouhan urged residents to call the Forest Department or a trained rescue team when they spot wildlife. Local snake rescue assistance numbers for the Hiran Magri Sector 11 area are 9828058158 and 7737470311.

He said: "If you spot any wild animal in or around your home, immediately inform the Forest Department or a trained rescue team."

Where can I learn more?

Stories like these show the Udaipur rescue was far from an isolated case. Cobras regularly turn up inside homes and other tight hiding spots, which is why trained responders are needed when one slips under furniture, flooring, or built-in fixtures.

• In South Africa, a family had to tear out a wall cupboard to reach a juvenile Cape cobra.

• In Telangana, rescuers bagged an Indian cobra after it slipped into grandparents' house.

• In Assam, a king cobra hiding beneath a bedroom floor avoided capture for two days before emerging.

• In Odisha, rescuers safely removed a 12-foot king cobra after it appeared near a neighborhood bank.

The lesson running through all of them is simple: keep your distance and call trained snake rescuers. They're also a reminder of how quickly an ordinary home or neighborhood can become the scene of a dangerous wildlife encounter.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.