Chitwan, Aug. 3 -- An increasing number of highly venomous snakes entering settlements around Chitwan National Park has raised fresh concerns among conservationists, snake experts and local residents, prompting calls for stronger rescue systems and wider public awareness to reduce the risk of deadly snakebites.

Among the most alarming are king cobras and cobras, two of the world's most venomous snakes. Last fiscal year alone, park authorities rescued five king cobras and 17 cobras after they entered homes and settlements in the park's buffer zone.

On June 1, a king cobra entered a house at Barauli in ward 17 of Kawasoti Municipality in Nawalparasi East. The snake was rescued by park staff and released into a dense forest near the park h...