Drought is at its peak, watch for snakes, officials tell villagers

KORONADAL CITY -- Residents of two upland towns in South Cotabato have been alerted against possible snake attacks as the carnivorous reptiles have gone out of the comfort zones due to drought, officials here said. Quoting reports from the towns of Lake Sebu and T'boli, South Cotabato, Mila Lorca, South Cotabato provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, said snakes, including diamondback rattle snakes and cobras were seen in areas that they do not inhabit in the past. In Barangay Desawo, T'boli, four carabaos have been killed after being attacked by king cobra. She said while the report is still being validated, Lorca said it is best for villagers, especially those living in the mountains and forests to be extra careful against possible snake bites. Image result for snakes sand//encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnandANd9GcTUX4cTRw1qMIXhSpuNW1PLqKa4vFcEz47csvYZbfw2YnIM-ypV Image result for snakes sand//encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnandANd9GcTHC4XP44EvmHOW1XnERIazJVGmq0joQoX2w-2m1T5WjskptV1k In Colombio, Sultan Kudarat, a woman was hospitalized after she was attacked by a diamondback rattle snake two days ago. In Koronadal City, residents of Marville Homes Subdivision were awakened by a huge snake seen by villagers that hide in the subdivision's drainage canals. Employees of the Koronadal City veterinary office tried to capture the snake, described by residents at about six feet long, but the efforts failed. Amid the dry spell, Lorca said it is still best to be always vigilant and report to authorities if snakes are seen roaming in their surroundings.