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Today was one of those days I wish I could rewind and start over, why? Because I got up close with one of the most dangerous snakes in the world. |
The first shot, pillar climb and pillar climb (different angle). Pics: Col B
Today was one of those days I wish I could rewind and start over. Not because I blew a barrel or accidentally burnt a guy (two things I did do), but because I got up close and personal with one of the most dangerous snakes in the world…
After surfing luscious 4 -5 foot Macaronies with the Bay Boys, and realizing my surfing should just make way for the shredders, I was dropped off at my villa and jumped straight in the drink for a quick swim and then a fresh water shower. The villa hovers right on the saltwater lagoon that is flushed daily thanks to the tide swell and winds.
It was a magic day so a digital camera was whipped out for a quick happy snap – then there it was. 40 metres behind me a giant snake was swimming towards a villa at speed. Without thinking, I grabbed the camera and tracked its progress to villa six. Now, villa six happens to be occupied by a goofy-footer from Queensland named Colette, who at present is the only female in the resort. Thankfully, Colette was out throwing spray with the boys when this yet to be identified snake decided mounting the stairs and climbing onto the outdoor furniture was a cool idea. Feeling a little Steve Irwin I too made my way onto the balcony via her front door (sorry about the invasion Colette).
Poking my head around the backdoor just in time to witness this monster coil itself around the banister and try poke its head five-feet straight up and into the roof. Having no luck there it then headed around the corner towards the walkway and the open front door. Still unaware what type of snake it was – but rethinking my actions due to the size and red coloured neck, I retreated… As my planned retreat was in action I changed tack again, and decided that letting it enter the villa would be a mistake and that I must close the open door. Once the big old snake was around the corner (and the other six feet of it was in arms reach) I pushed the door closed just in time.
The alarm was now raised and the local staff (building the pool) were hurriedly waving for reinforcements. “It’s a King Cobra! This snake will kill you in five minutes!” Explained a man (in black gum boats and long pants). “Come again?” I said. “It’s one of the most dangerous snakes in the world – very aggressive, stand back…” ‘In deed I will’ l thought.
Stunned (and now concerned for my formidable foe’s life) I asked if the King Cobra can be caught and relocated? I don’t kill and I’d hate to see this beautiful creature harmed.
The bad news is there was no other choice. The workers built a fork tipped stick and after a 25 minute face off pinned the snake in a corner of the villa’s balcony. It was a tense operation and the faces of the locals convinced me of the need.
Once the Bay Boys had returned I was in need of a little therapy myself – almost envious of Danny Wills run in with the ferry shitter. Tigers still take people down in Sumatra and like us they have to live with deadly snakes too, but today I saw how sometimes a line in the sand has to be drawn between co-existence and human safety – sad but true.
RIP King Cobra
Scary note: The King Cobra is the world’s largest and most formidable venomous snake. The record length for a King was measured at 18 feet, 4 inches. They are most aggressive during mating and nesting season. King cobras are the only snake species that watch over their young and both male and female diligently guard their nest and will attack any interlopers who venture near. The King Cobra is also capable of delivering larger quantities of venom than most other venomous snakes, injecting a 380-600 mg dose in a single bite. This quantity is enough to kill 20-40 grown men or even an adult elephant. One bite from a King Cobra can cause the death of a healthy adult human within 15 minutes, but death usually occurs between 30–45 minutes. The mortality rate from a bite can be over 75%. It is regarded as one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
“Gulp?”
