King Cobra Sightings Increase in Makwanpur as Summer Approaches

Hetauda. With the onset of the summer season, the frequency of King Cobra sightings in Makwanpur has increased. Over the past four days alone, the world's longest and most venomous snake has been spotted in several municipalities across the district.

Between Baisakh 1 and Baisakh 4, King Cobras were reported in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, Thaha Municipality, and Bagmati Rural Municipality. On Friday, snake rescuer Rajesh Thapa Garib successfully rescued a 12-foot-long King Cobra from the residence of Ashish Khatiwada in Omtol Development Organization, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Ward-9. After being alerted by Khatiwada, a ward office employee, the rescuer safely captured the snake and released it into a forest habitat.

The rescue operation took approximately two hours and was conducted in coordination with the Division Forest Office, with local residents and ward officials present. Previously, on Baisakh 1, rescuer Garib had also rescued a King Cobra from Sattalle in Bagmati Rural Municipality. He has rescued nearly nine King Cobras within the last year and a half.

King Cobras generally avoid human contact and do not strike unless provoked. They are so formidable that even large animals like tigers and elephants often retreat to avoid confrontation. Rescuers have previously relocated King Cobras from Hetauda Wards 9, 10, 19, and 16, as well as from Makwanpur Gadhirural municipality, in coordination with the forest office.

Known as the Rajgoman or Kalinag, the King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake. Its scientific name, Ophiophagus hannah, reflects its diet of other snakes. Its neurotoxic venom is extremely lethal, with a single bite capable of killing approximately 21 humans or an elephant. Rescuers emphasize the importance of snake conservation due to their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

To date, rescuers in Makwanpur have also relocated various other venomous species, including Monocled Cobras, Spectacled Cobras, Banded Kraits, Coral Snakes, and Green Pit Vipers, alongside several non-venomous species like the Rat Snake.