BAGUIO CITY — As more incidents of cobra sightings are being reported in the Cordillera Region, the private-run wildlife protection advocacy group Northern Exotics and Wildlife (NEWT) has advised the public to learn about how to react and avoid being attacked.
In the past weeks, photos and videos of snakes believed to be of the Philippine Cobra and even King Cobra species in some barangays and towns of Benguet, near Baguio City, surged on social media sites, alarming residents.

NEWT advisor Sean Frederick T. Serrano, a veterinarian, explained that Philippine Cobra is normally around six feet in length while the King Cobra is around 20 feet in length. Both poisonous, he warned that they are quite common in the Cordillera highlands.

Mr. Serrano said these cobras are increasing in number in the region because of a possible breeding season.

He reminded that grabbing or holding these cobras will prompt them to attack, especially if their head or hood is in a “standing position.”

The more appropriate action to take upon spotting a cobra, according to Mr. Serrano, is to stamp one’s feet on the ground, sing or talk noisily to drive them away.

In case of snake bites, the victim should immediately seek medical attention at the hospital.

Mr. Serrano also reminded the public to report any snake sighting to the authorities and avoid killing them, citing that Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) which prohibits the killing of wildlife animals. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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