Mushroom hunters find rare snake nest in Nepal forest, officials restrict access

Mushroom hunters found a king cobra nest in Ambe Community Forest near Jhakri Sota, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal, on July 15.

The king cobra is the only snake known to build nests for its eggs, laying 30-40 eggs and guarding them for 2-3 months.

Officials restricted public access to the forest, banning mushroom, firewood, and grass collection near the nest until hatching.

Snake rescuer and conservationist Kuldeep Neupane helped secure the area to minimize disturbance to the nesting female.

King cobras eat other snakes, including venomous ones, helping control snake populations and maintain ecological balance.