Cobras rescued near Mt Everest: Scientists blame climate change

As many as 10 venomous snakes were found close to Mount Everest, including one monocled cobra and 9 king cobras. Scientists state how such snakes have started to seek places other than their natural habitats with rising temperatures across the globe. Cobra nests and eggs were also discovered during the rescue at the valley's jungles.

Jaya Thapa Magar, an official from the municipality, shared with The Kathmandu Post, "Those snakes were rescued from houses and compounds with the help of a snake rescuer and were released in the nearby forest." These snake species are normally found in humid and tropical regions, such as mangroves and swamps with nearby water sources.

Experts warn that such shocking appearances is a sign of global warming and worsening climate change, with such wildlife thriving in an environment that is not natural to them. It forces them to leave their habitats with increasing temperatures urging them to search for better grounds to survive. The rescuers believe that snakes may have unintentionally travelled through haystacks and wood on vehicles, leading them to change and explore habitats outside of their own.

The Lancet, in 2022, reported over 2,500 deaths due to snakebites in the Tarai region of Nepal. And, the king cobras species are classified under the list of vulnerable species, highly threatened by human conflict and snakebites. Various other studies emphasize on the rarity of such snakes in a much colder region compared to their natural homes.

Recent statistics calculate that Nepal's temperature is increasing by 0.05 degrees annually, noticed particularly on the hilltops of the valley. With incidents of snakebites going underreported, and health officials spreading awareness on its risks, The Kathmandu Post further elaborates on Nepal relying on infrastructure and antidotes from its neighbours, with India providing them with quadrivalent antivenom to tackle the bites. With snakebites having long-term side-effects, too, such instances need to be highlighted more.