The focus was all wrong, but I had stared into its face only seconds before, whilst it was devouring a mouse, so I wasn't at my best.

...

The back legs of the rodent were still visible, sticking out of its mouth. It was in the upright position, half of its body lifted up from the ground, its characteristic hood partially open, so I recognised immediately what kind of snake this was. Its jaws were making a satisfied chewing motion. Business as usual for the snake, but not for me. Too close for comfort, even if I was behind glass. I had the wits to grab my phone. The Leica wasn't in reach, nor ready, and I knew I had to be quick. Sadly the phone focused on the bars in front of the window - hurray for autofocus - so all I have to show for is a bit of a fuzzy snake. I believe it's a monocled cobra, seeing the one eye on the back of its hood.

I was alerted to the snake by Coco hissing. Luckily she was also behind glass, because she doesn't go out anymore. At some point in her existence she decided she had enough and that inside was all she needed. A bit of a surprising decision, but she made it all on her own. Good for us: more peace of mind about her wellbeing. And definitely good for her, seeing what's out there... I thought the hissing meant she had spotted another cat, and I was doubting if I should take a look. Since she kept hissing, I decided to investigate, so I shifted the curtain aside. I didn't see a cat, not much of anything really, except the plants in the garden, but Co kept hissing. What did she see that I didn't?

Then I spotted it... chewing on a mouse...

Coco - snake alert...

A cobra in a residential area... what to do? E. wasn't at home, but we did have contact on whatsapp. I decided to call the alarm number - a first for me in Malaysia - after some quick research on the internet, to figure out how Malaysians deal with snake sightings. There are dedicated teams around as it turned out. So I felt confident and dialed the number. After some back and forth with the relevant authorities they decided to send in the troops. I just had to wait for a bit.

Then Co, still faithfully guarding the window, started hissing again... oh dear...

Low and behold, Coco had spotted a second snake. A black thin one, slithering by. Coco wasn't charmed by this one either, nor was I. I'm pretty sure she reacted on pure instinct, knowing immediately these slithering things are dangerous. I wasn't quick enough, or the snake was too fast, so I couldn't snap a photo.

Of course the alarm-people thought I was a bit nutty when I reported a second sighting... must have been the same cobra right? No way. It was definitely not the cobra. But I was also a bit flabbergasted, so I understood their disbelief... never seeing a snake for years and then two different ones in one hour? One of those days I suppose?

The snake team came, four big guys in an ambulance, fully dressed up to battle the snakes, with big iron rods and hefty boots. They went in, trotted around, prodded with their sticks, and of course found nothing. Snakes long gone, or well hidden in the many nooks and cranny's of the garden (it's a bit of a jungle), leaving with the advise not to go in there for three days.

Not a very comforting goodbye...

Coco is guarding the window again today.

At least we have a first line of defense...

...

So is this snake truly dangerous? After some research: yes. Very much so. Although it's not aggressive, a bite can be deadly within the hour (worst case). You have to be quick and get antivenom. The second snake I saw was unclear, but looking at some mug shots I would say: also not one you want to meet up close. Black, shiny and most likely venomous.

E. is the one taking care of the garden. For me it's too hot and sweaty. And although it's a lovely jungle, I think it's time to re-assess gardening on slippers and in shorts and perhaps clear it out a bit so we have a better overview of what's slithering out there...

Coco photo with Leica M-D and Voigtlander 28mm f/2.0

iPhone with its iPhone lens

Malaysia - 7 May 2024