A startling incident in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, has left a netizen in shock and seeking advice on what to do after a Samar cobra (Naja samarensis) unexpectedly slithered into their toilet. The user shared their terrifying experience on social media, asking for guidance on how to handle the situation, especially with children in the house.
In their post, the netizen described the unsettling moment, saying, “ABI JUD NKO SA FACEBOOK RA NAKO NI MAKITA ATAYYYYY😓” (I thought I’d only see this on Facebook, but I saw it in real life). They went on to express their deep trauma, saying, “I SAW YOU YESTERDAY, IT FEELS LIKE MY SOUL WILL DROPPED, I’M SO TRAUMATIZED, BECAUSE OF ME, I’M TRAUMATIZED, I WON’T ENTER THE TOILET ANYMORE, NOW I’M SHOWING YOU AGAIN…” The user further added, “SINCE YESTERDAY, NANAN WAS THINKING THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE KILLED, BECAUSE OF MUSUKING BACK UNDER, WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO???? ARE THERE ANY CHILDREN 😭😭”
This alarming encounter has drawn attention to the dangerous presence of the Samar cobra, a venomous species native to the Philippines. The Samar cobra, also known as Peters’ cobra, the southern Philippine cobra, or the Visayan cobra, is highly venomous and known for its ability to spit venom at a distance. The species is found in the Visayas and Mindanao islands, including areas that are close to human settlements, making them a potential threat to local communities.
Samar cobras can grow up to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) in length. Their color typically ranges from black and yellow to green, which helps them blend into their environment. They are found in a variety of habitats, from mountainous jungles to tropical plains, and can live at elevations ranging from 0 to 1,000 meters (0 to 3,280 feet) above sea level.
These cobras are part of the spitting cobra family, and they feed primarily on small rodents, frogs, and smaller reptiles. Due to the proximity of their preferred prey to rice paddies and human communities, they are often found in areas where humans live, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
In this instance, the cobra managed to enter the house through the toilet, a situation that has led to increased concern among residents about how to prevent such incidents from happening again. With children present in the household, the netizen is understandably anxious about the safety of their family members.
The Samar cobra is not the only venomous snake in the region. However, it is one of the most dangerous due to its potent venom, which can cause severe symptoms or even death if not treated immediately. Spitting cobras are known to aim their venom at the eyes of their targets, causing intense pain and potential blindness.
This incident highlights the need for greater awareness of the presence of venomous snakes in residential areas, particularly in regions where the Samar cobra is known to live. It also underscores the importance of knowing how to respond in case of an encounter with such a dangerous creature. Authorities suggest that people living in areas where these snakes are common should take precautions, such as ensuring that their homes are properly sealed and seeking professional help if they suspect a snake has entered their property.