DENR urged: Take charge vs snake sightings

CEBU, Philippines — A consultant of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama the other day urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 to take charge in addressing the concern over snakes, particularly the Banakon (king cobra) coming out of their natural habitat and endangering people.

She also asked that it identify areas in the city where the Banakon may be located, for safety and proper precaution.

In an interview during a program by City Hall’s Sugboanon Channel, Dr. Alice Utlang, Rama’s special assistant on veterinary, agriculture, and fishery concerns, said DENR should be at the forefront in addressing the matter.

She said the department could issue advisories or set up signages in areas where these snakes are prevalent to give people ample warning.

“Ang DENR unta maghatag og location or mura’g map ba, nga kaning dapita naa niy sighting sa cobra, kay aron mag-careful ang mga tawo,” Utlang said.

She said snake sightings are usually noted during the hot weather brought about by the El Niño, aside from nowadays being their mating season.

Utlang, a long-time Cebu City veterinarian, said King cobras are actually fearful of human and would just strike when they feel threatened or cornered.

“Kanang mga bitin, specifically cobra, mahadlok sad na sila’g tawo. So, molayas ra na sila. Mopaak lang na sila kung ma-provoke or kung ma-corner na sila. Wa may laing means of defense nila, paak man,” she said.

Utlang urged the public to not treat King cobras and other wild animals as threats, as they also serve a purpose in the ecosystem, particularly in rat control.

“Kanang cobra, pasagdi lang na sila nga mo co-exist nato. Ayaw patya kay naa man sad na silay gamit,” she said, adding that the reptile is already “critically endangered”.

“Kani sila nalista ni as critically endangered species. Giprotektahan gyud na sila, kay silay responsible kung unsaon pag-control sa atong mga ilaga,” she added.

She is not blaming those who likewise feel threatened by the snake, saying she also sees the need for the public to be educated when it comes to dealing with wild animals.

“So mao nang dapat atong i-edukar ang atong mga kaigsoonan. Kung makakita gani ta’g king cobra or other wild animals, ayaw hilabti. Pasagdi lang na sila nga mabuhi,” she said.  — (FREEMAN)