A deadly king cobra was rescued after it was found trapped on the top of electricity lines.

The reptile was believed to have been fighting with local stray dogs before fleeing in panic and slithering up the pole to escape the mutts in Chanthaburi province, Thailand on January 11.

Locals noticed the agitated 12ft-long snake as it expanded its hood with angry dogs barking from below. They called the animal rescue team for help.

Upon arrival, the team used a hook to pull the snake down but it tried escaping to a tree. After almost an hour, it was caught by the team and placed inside a plastic container.

Shocked villager Saree Tongtanong said: 'The dogs would not stop barking outside. I looked up and saw a king cobra slithering on the electric cables. I think it was trying to escape from the dogs.'

The king cobra was later released into to the wild away from the village.