KATHMANDU, June 7 – In an alarming trend, ten highly venomous snakes—nine King Cobras and a Monocled Cobra—have been rescued from different locations across the Kathmandu Valley in the past six weeks, raising concern among conservationists and public health officials.

King Cobras, typically native to Nepal’s southern Tarai plains, are now being spotted in hilly regions like Dakshinkali, Syuchatar, Gokarna, and Godawari. Experts warn that rising temperatures linked to climate change may be driving the reptiles to higher altitudes.

“These snakes might have arrived with transported goods but are now establishing habitats,” said Subodh Acharya of Mithila Wildlife Trust, who led the rescues.

The presence of King Cobra nests in local forests suggests adaptation. With Nepal’s maximum temperatures rising by 0.05°C annually, hilly areas are warming faster than the plains, experts say.

While venomous snakebites kill around 2,700 people annually—mostly in the Tarai—cases in the hills are rising. The government has committed to halving snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030, but limited antivenom supply, poor infrastructure, and public reliance on shamans pose major challenges.

Officials urge increased awareness, proper training for health workers, and prompt medical care to prevent further fatalities.