TIMELINE: The unprecedented sightings of king cobras in Cebu
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CEBU CITY, Philippines – King cobras, locally known as “Banakon”, have been garnering the attention of residents in Cebu as sightings of these species become increasingly frequent in local communities.
According to experts, this surge in sightings can be attributed to the mating season of king cobras, which typically spans from January to April, along with climate factors such as the gradual effects of el Niño.
King cobras are the most prevalent type of snake with high-risk exposure in Cebu.
They have been long documented to exist in the region; however, just in late 2023 and early this year, numerous sightings of king cobras have been reported by concerned residents, sparking heightened alarm.
READ: Why are there several sightings of king cobras in Cebu?
February 24, 2024
King Cobra was killed in Barangay Bulongan, Toledo City
Residents of a barangay in a western city in Cebu Province are calling for the availability of snakebite treatments on a per barangay basis.
This was after two more king cobras were seen and killed in Barangay Bulongan, Toledo City on February 24.
They were spotted near the road, entwined with one another in what appeared to be a mating ritual.
READ: King cobra sightings in Toledo: Call for snake treatments in barangays pushed
February 21, 2024
King Cobra in Sitio Langud in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City
Local residents have urged the Cebu City government to quickly set up ways to treat snakebites in every barangay, following the recent frequent sightings of king cobras, locally known as “banakon,” in the city.
Ian Gabisay, the chief tanud of Sitio Langud in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City, shared his worry after seeing two king cobras in their area, with the most recent sighting on Wednesday, February 21.
READ: King cobra sightings in Cebu City: Residents call for snakebite treatment in barangays
February 14, 2024
Another king cobra was killed in Barangay Mulao in Compostela, Cebu on Wednesday, February 14.
February 13, 2024
The decapitated head of the king cobra killed in Proper Guinacot in Danao City, Cebu
A king cobra, locally known as “banakon,” was killed after a resident believed that the snake would attack him at that time, in Proper Guinacot in Danao City, Cebu.
In a Facebook post last February 13, Kemoy Ypanto, a resident of Proper Guinacot, shared a photo displaying only the decapitated head of the snake, seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the species.
The majority of responders then confirmed it to be a king cobra.
READ: King cobra ‘believed’ to attack man, killed in Danao, Cebu
February 11, 2024
A king cobra, locally known as “banakon,” was killed in Barangay Caleriohan in Dalaguete.
Residents in Barangay Caleriohan, Dalaguete, reported seeing a King Cobra, locally known as “banakon,” on Sunday, February 11.
READ: King Cobra sighted again in Dalaguete, Cebu
February 10, 2024
Another king cobra, locally known as “banakon,” was sighted in Sitio Guindulman, Barangay Patag in Naga City in southern Cebu.
Another king cobra, locally known as “banakon,” was sighted in Sitio Guindulman, Barangay Patag in Naga City in southern Cebu.
READ: King cobra sighted in Naga City, Cebu
February 8, 2024
Two more sightings of king cobras, locally known as “banakon,” were reported in different areas in Cebu: one in Asturias and another in Toledo City on Thursday, February 8.
READ: More king cobra sightings reported in Asturias, Toledo in Cebu
February 7, 2024
A recent sighting of a king cobra occurred near a residential community in Toledo City.
February 6, 2024
A King Cobra or Banakon has been sighted in Bagakay, Sogod on Monday, February 5. | via Facebook/ Philippine Snake ID
In Barangay Bagakay, Sogod, a northern town in Cebu, another king cobra, locally known as Banakon in Cebuano, was sighted.
A member of the Philippine Snake ID page shared an image of a deceased cobra on February 5, seeking public assistance in identifying the snake sighted in Sogod.
READ: Another king cobra seen in Sogod, Cebu
January 26, 2024
2 king cobras are seen in Barangay Busay in Cebu City. | screengrab from video taken by Brian Surbano via Futch Anthony Inso
Residents in Roosevelt, Brgy. Busay, were surprised to spot two cobras along the road on January 26.
Khenny Brian Surbano recorded the reptiles, which were observed mating, while walking in Roosevelt around 3 p.m.
READ: 2 king cobras spotted again in Busay
January 6, 2024
King Cobra
In Purok 2, Barangay Salag, Tabogon town, northern Cebu, another King Cobra, locally known as ‘banakon,’ was captured on January 5 by Raul Gorgonia.
The reptile, measuring 6 feet, was promptly turned over to authorities.
READ: King Cobra captured in Tabogon, Cebu
December 31, 2023
Banakon spotted in Badian on December 29, 2023.
Only three days after a king cobra, locally known as ‘banakon,’ was spotted in San Fernando town, southern Cebu, another sighting was reported in Badian town, situated in the southwestern part of Cebu Province.
READ: King cobra also alarms Badian town residents
December 28, 2023
The king cobra spotted in San Fernando, Cebu on December 27, 2023. | Screengrab from Stephen Baringui-an’s Facebook video.
READ: Another king cobra alarms residents in San Fernando
Residents in a mountain barangay in San Fernando town, southern Cebu, were alarmed after spotting a king cobra in their vicinity on December 27.
The reptile, locally known as banakon, was found attempting to swallow another snake – a python – on the morning of Wednesday, according to Stephen Baringui-an, a resident in the area.
Out of fear, some neighbors sought to kill the king cobra.
ALSO READ: IN THE KNOW: The king cobra
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