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The three deadly cobras were entwined on the tree for 15 minutes (Picture: Caters)
This is the moment three highly venomous cobras snuggled up on a tree after being rescued.
The rare sighting was filmed by Nilesh Wankhede, 32, who saved the snakes and set them free in Melghat Tiger Reserve, western India.
Nilesh, a guide at the reserve, said: ‘I have rescued hundreds of snakes in the last 20 years but never seen such a sight.
‘It was astonishing to see the three together.’
Rare sighting of three venomous cobras on one tree
Nilesh said he spotted them all in different areas in the nearby Harisal village.
He added: ‘One was captured from the range office. The other was at a cow shed and the third one was hiding in a hut.
‘After rescuing them, along with a friend I took them to the jungle to release them in the wild.
‘The moment I released them from the bag, the three quickly moved and climbed a tree.
‘It was a fascinating sight as they did not run to the grass or burrows.
‘I was astounded and quickly took pictures. They were hanging on the tree for a good 15 minutes.’