Tiger, cobra in standoff during rarely witnessed encounter; video

Safari guests in India were treated recently to a rarely witnessed interaction between a tiger and cobra, which appeared to culminate in a standoff.

Several clips are being shared via social media but the accompanying footage is reported to have been captured in early August by Sudhir Charmode in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

The first clip, shared by Ramesh Pandey of the Indian Forest Service, shows the young tiger pausing when it encounters the cobra in a muddy creek, and the cobra flaring its hood as a warning.

Interaction of a Cobra and a young Tiger. Interesting to watch. pic.twitter.com/MTz1Ih37CA

— Ramesh Pandey (@rameshpandeyifs) August 19, 2024

The tiger is wary of the venomous reptile and maintains a safe distance, but it does not flee.

The second clip, shared by the Mumbai-based media company Latest LY, shows the tiger resting while keeping a close eye on the cobra opposite the creek.

चलो आज आमना-सामना हो ही जाए. pic.twitter.com/zaz1WPRnrz

— Vivek Gupta (@imvivekgupta) August 10, 2024

At this point the cat and snake are only yards apart.

Latest LY wrote: “The video, which has quickly gained attention on social media, depicts the tiger and snake facing each other, blocking each other’s path.

“Such incidents are seldom witnessed, making this encounter particularly extraordinary.”

The interaction occurred during a festival period when cobras and other snakes are worshipped by Hindus.