The three month long mating season is almost over.
As she approaches the village, the male flicks his tongue searching for a small scent particles in the air.
He may be able to smell her presence, But her heady cocktail of pheromones has attracted another admirer.
A second male has picked up her trail In the forest and followed her into the village, And he’s been spotted.
King cobras can see prey up to 300 feet away.
The village male sees the intruder approaching
And he is fiercely territorial, especially in mating season.
He moves to intercept the trespasser.
The two males size each other up, Rearing a third of their bodies off the ground.
They flare their trademark hoods in a display of aggression.
Biting would be futile and a waste of the precious toxin, as their own powerful venom has little effect on other king cobras.
Instead, their bodies entwine in a wrestling match.
The aim is to force their opponent’s head to the ground.
Oblivious to everything around them, they vie for dominance.
Their brawl carries them out of the village and into the forest.
They will fight as long as they have the strength.
Winning and earning the right to breed is all that matters.
So, after five hours of combat, the intruding challenger accepts defeat and slinks off into the forest.
His dominance established the village male.
Now has his chance with Nagaina.