March 12, Dhankuta – A nearly 13-foot-long venomous king cobra was rescued in the Kagate area, located on the boundary between wards 3 and 6 of Dhankuta Municipality. Rarely seen in hilly regions, this snake’s rescue has generated both fear and concern among local residents. On Saturday, snake rescuer Pradeep Shrestha from Mahalaxmi Municipality–5, Leguwa, safely captured the snake.
The snake was found resting for three days in the cattle shed of Bodhprasad Wagle at Kagate, situated approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Shrestha, responding to local reports, took the risk to secure the snake. Vikas Ghimire, ward chairperson of Dhankuta Municipality–3, stated that in coordination with the Dhankuta Division Forest Office, preparations are underway to release the rescued king cobra safely into its natural forest habitat.
According to Shrestha, the king cobra is an extremely venomous snake whose bite can cause severe complications and may even be fatal. “This snake generally does not attack unless provoked or threatened, at which point it can become aggressive,” he explained.
Shrestha has been active in snake rescue efforts for nine years and over the past two years alone has safely captured and released five king cobras in areas such as Mahalaxmi and Pakhribas in Dhankuta. He also noted that due to climate change, venomous snakes are increasingly appearing in hilly and colder areas, which could pose heightened risks to human settlements.
