Heart-stopping encounter: Aggressive cobra on the road strikes, misses rider by several inches

• A motorcyclist in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, had a terrifying encounter with a large cobra (over two meters long) that lunged at him, which he narrowly avoided by accelerating his vehicle

• The dramatic near-miss was caught on video, which subsequently circulated online, serving as a visual account of the unexpected wildlife encounter

• After the attempt to strike the rider, the venomous snake slithered into a grassy area located close to homes, raising concerns about potential human-wildlife interactions

• The incident prompts reminders from local authorities and wildlife experts for the public to maintain a safe distance and avoid provoking snakes if encountered, especially in areas where wildlife and human settlements overlap

A motorcyclist experienced a terrifying close call on a road in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, when a large cobra unexpectedly lunged, narrowly missing the rider.

The dramatic encounter, captured on video and reported on GMA News' One North Central Luzon, quickly circulated online, serving as a vivid reminder of the wildlife that can be encountered in rural areas.

The incident unfolded on Thursday, June 26, 2025, when the rider was navigating a stretch of road in Cervantes. Dashcam footage shows the formidable snake positioned ominously on the roadside.

As the motorcycle approached, the cobra, estimated to be more than two meters (over six feet) in length, suddenly coiled and struck out.

Fortunately, the swift actions of the rider, who quickly accelerated the motorcycle, allowed him to evade the venomous reptile's attack.

Following the near-miss, the large cobra continued its movement, slithering across the road and disappearing into a grassy area located near residential homes.

This proximity to populated areas raises concerns about the potential for human-wildlife conflicts, especially with highly venomous species like cobras.

Local authorities and wildlife experts often advise caution when traveling through areas known to harbor snakes.

While encounters with cobras are relatively rare, their presence, particularly in agricultural or forested regions, is not uncommon.

These reptiles typically avoid human interaction but can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered.

Experts recommend maintaining a safe distance if a snake is spotted on the road or in populated areas.

It's crucial not to provoke the animal, as this can trigger a defensive strike. Instead, individuals should slowly back away and, if necessary, contact local animal control or barangay officials for assistance in safely removing the snake from the area.

Public awareness campaigns often highlight these safety protocols, particularly in provinces where wildlife habitats may intersect with human settlements.

The incident in Ilocos Sur serves as a stark illustration of the need for heightened awareness among motorists and pedestrians in areas where such wildlife encounters are possible.

The quick thinking of the motorcyclist in this instance prevented what could have been a much more dangerous situation, underscoring the importance of vigilance on the road, not just for other vehicles, but also for unexpected natural hazards.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a Filipino businessman survived an attempted shooting by two Chinese nationals at a mall parking lot in Makati City on June 26, 2025. A witness said, “Bigla pong binaril-baril si boss po namin… Apat na beses po ‘yung putok,” adding that the gunman fled in a getaway vehicle. Police arrested the suspects less than two minutes later and recovered firearms, bladed weapons, a hammer, and packing tape. The motive remains unknown, but authorities are investigating possible links to a gun-for-hire group or POGO operations.

Still in other news, a 35-year-old former cashier was apprehended in Malabon on June 25, 2025, for five counts of qualified theft from a Caloocan supermarket where she previously worked. The suspect is accused of repeatedly not scanning all products during transactions with accomplices (her former co-workers), then sharing the illicit proceeds. The arrest was made based on an outstanding warrant from 2020, with the suspect located after police learned she had returned to the Philippines in 2023 following a stint as a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia. The accused is currently detained at the Malabon City Police Station and has opted to address the allegations only in court.

Source: KAMI.com.gh