The breeding season for king cobras in Bali seems to be starting earlier and earlier. Fresh footage from the Reptil Asih Tabanan team, who catch a couple of snakes every year, is already racking up views on social media.
The process of catching such a dangerous reptile is, of course, mesmerising. The rescuer stays remarkably calm and uses no special equipment: he seems to hypnotise the snake with his gaze, grabs it firmly behind the head in one precise move, and pulls the huge reptile out of the dense bushes.
Experts later reported that the captured snake, measuring 3.5 metres, was a male. It had made its way into a banana grove near a residential home in Banjar Suraberata (Tabanan Regency). These reptiles usually come close to people’s homes in search of food before the mating season, which seems to have shifted this year.
Two years ago, peak nesting activity was in July. Last year the season shifted to June (over 11 days in Tabanan and Jembrana regencies, three females were removed and a total of 120 eggs were collected). In 2026, the season officially began as early as May.
The main risk area currently includes the northern, western and central parts of Tabanan, as well as the neighbouring Jembrana Regency.
Biologists link the growing number of cobra sightings in residential areas to a critical decline in their natural predators. Due to Bali’s urbanisation and poaching, the island’s populations of large monitor lizards, birds of prey (eagles and owls), wild cats and hornbills—species that historically destroyed snake nests and preyed on juveniles—have dropped sharply.
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the only snake on the planet that builds proper ground nests out of leaves and twigs (usually 60–80 cm above the ground near bodies of water). Its Latin name translates as “snake eater”, which reflects its diet: king cobras feed exclusively on other reptiles.
What is the main danger to people?
— Aggression when guarding nests: During egg incubation (60 to 90 days), a female king cobra may go for months without eating—only drinking—while fiercely protecting the clutch and attacking anyone who comes near the bamboo thickets.
— A huge amount of venom: King cobra neurotoxin blocks the respiratory system. A single full bite can contain enough venom to kill an Asian elephant or up to 20 people within just a few hours.
— Psychological intimidation: When threatened, this reptile can not only flare its hood and raise its head to a person’s chest level, but also produce a frightening low rasping sound reminiscent of a dog’s growl.
Local emergency services and organisations specialising in snake control strongly urge Bali residents and tourists not to try to replicate the rescuers’ actions from the video. If you find a snake on your property, you should secure the area and immediately call specialists or contact the banjar administration.
Sources: detik
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