Authorities rescued a female Mindanao king cobra hatchling in Midsayap, Cotabato on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the eight-day old snake, measuring about 21 inches in length, was found by a resident.
DENR-12 said wildlife handlers named the snake “Queen DD.”
Queen DD is currently under observation at the USM Wildlife Research and Rescue Center.
The rescue came a few days after another king cobra hatchling was reportedly killed by a passing vehicle in the same area.
Wildlife experts said the hatchling sustained a minor neck-pinning injury but is otherwise recovering.
The snake is also undergoing a natural shedding process, which causes a dull, bluish coloration and temporarily makes snakes less defensive and responsive to their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to predators and other threats.
DENR-12 said king cobras face high mortality rates in the wild, especially when nesting sites are unsuitable since they are preyed upon by raptors, large frogs, mammals, and larger reptiles.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Midsayap reminded the public that king cobras are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).
“Wildlife officials also clarified that circulating claims of financial rewards for capturing King Cobras are false.,” DENR-12 said.
Authorities emphasized that unauthorized capture, possession, or killing of protected wildlife is prohibited by law.
Residents are urged to report sightings to authorities to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community.
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