Hiking group in Cebu encounters two king cobras on trail

A group of hikers encountered two king cobras on a trail in Cebu City, Cebu.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras" Tuesday, Danvy Degamo and his fellow hikers happened upon the two cobras during their hike on Mt. Kang-Irag.

"'Yung kasama ko nakita niya may ahas daw sa gilid ko. 'Di ko yun nakita kasi naka-focus lang ako sa daanan. We ran from that area, pumunta kami sa safer distance," he said.

In the video, the two snakes appeared to be fighting, but herpetologist Jazz Ong has explained that the cobras, both males, were actually engaged in a mating ritual.

"May isang female na nearby na na-a-attract 'yung mga males at kapag naamoy nila 'yung pheromones mag-e-engage sila sa isang parang wrestling match and kung sino man ang mananalo 'yun ang magkakaroon ng right na makipag-mate dun sa female," she said.

According to Ong, the best thing to do in this situation if there is enough space is to choose a path that won't disturb the snakes.

"Naka-combat mode siya so it's focused on its goal that has nothing to do with you," she said.

Meanwhile, Degamo said that they warned the other hikers making their way towards the trail about the cobras in the area.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News