Rise in king cobra sightings alarms Chitwan buffer zone communities
Summary
Rising sightings of king cobras and cobras in settlements around Chitwan National Park have alarmed local communities and conservationists, who are calling for stronger rescue systems and faster medical response. Park authorities rescued five king cobras and 17 cobras last fiscal year as snake encounters increased in the buffer zone.
Key Points
- Park authorities rescued five king cobras and 17 cobras last fiscal year after the snakes entered homes and settlements in Chitwan’s buffer zone.
- Snake expert Dev Prasad Pandey warned that cobra bites can be fatal without treatment within three to four hours and urged a more scientific rescue system.
- Nature guide Manesh Limbu has been rescuing snakes voluntarily for 15 years and says more people are calling him as king cobra sightings increase.
- Experts say forest fires, monsoon floods and seasonal movement patterns are pushing snakes into villages, making awareness and trained rescue teams essential.
