Launch of 72 Cobras in Libyan Derna Sparks Panic .. Authorities Investigate

A local organization dedicated to protecting wildlife, launched 72 poisonous cobras in deserted areas near the Libyan city of Derna, sparking widespread panic and anger, prompting local authorities to open an urgent investigation into the incident deemed "irresponsible" and dangerous to residents' lives.

In a statement issued, the Wildlife Conservation Organization announced that on Sunday, it released dozens of cobras inside the Wadi Al-Naqah Reserve west of Derna, in a move aimed at "restoring the natural ecological balance" and combating "the dense spread of rats and frogs" in the area.

The organization emphasized that it carefully selected deserted valleys away from human settlements, noting that cobras play a natural role in the food chain and have an effective ability to reduce the numbers of some troublesome creatures, especially frogs and rodents.

Despite these reassurances, the matter did not pass without causing a great deal of concern among residents and activists, who described the decision as "reckless and irresponsible", questioning the legality of the action and the danger of these deadly snakes spreading to nearby residential areas.

Activist Hamza Bouz wrote on his Facebook page, saying:

"Cobras are not endangered as claimed, but they are abundant, and releasing this number of them will threaten the residents of neighboring villages, especially since this species seeks places where poultry and livestock are present."

Other bloggers expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, including "Fawzi" who said:

"It is unreasonable to release 72 cobras without a clear preventive plan.. Does the Libyan citizen need more fear and distress in his life?"

Blogger "Umm Aisha" commented angrily:

 "Preserving the environment should not come at the expense of people's lives.. What happened is reckless and requires serious investigation and accountability."

Amid the escalating controversy, the Agricultural Police in Derna announced the opening of an official investigation, and summoned the head of the Wildlife Conservation Organization for questioning, before being referred to the public prosecutor.

A voluntary field campaign led by a number of city youth was also launched, aiming to hunt and collect the cobras that were released, and reduce the danger to residents, amidst growing fears of fatal snakebites reaching homes or nearby farms.

Local authorities, along with several environmental entities, continue to monitor the repercussions of this step, which has brought back to the forefront the debate on managing reserves and unregulated environmental interventions.