Hobbies And Interests
How Long and Heavy are Cobras?
Ringhals are the smallest and lightest cobras, commonly weighing a few ounces and growing up to 4 feet. The King Cobra is the longest and heaviest cobra; it is also the longest venomous snake in the world with one of the reptiles recorded at 24 feet. On average, however, a King Cobra is 12 feet long and weighs about 35 pounds.
Where do Cobras Live?
Cobras are mainly found in Australia, southern Asia and Africa, usually in hot and tropical climates. King Cobras are situated in northern Africa, south Asia and the Philippines. They will inhabit areas near streams because they are strong swimmers.
How do Cobras Hunt?
A cobra will raise its head to help it search for prey; even in this position it can move extremely fast. The cobra will silently trail its prey until the time is right to pounce.
What do Cobras Eat?
They eat rats, birds, fish, frogs, eggs, rabbits and lizards. Cobras will even eat other snakes. Humans are not on the menu, since we are too large to swallow whole.
Which Animals Hunt Cobras?
Mongooses are the only natural predators of cobras. Their fur is thick, acting as armor against the cobra's fangs, and their quickness and agility mean they often overcome the deadly snakes.
How Deadly is a Cobra's Venom?
While other snakes have stronger venom, cobras inject such a large amount in one bite that it could kill a fully-grown elephant. However, a cobra does not inject venom with every bite, only if it desires to do so.
Can Cobras Spit Venom?
Spitting Cobras can spit venom. Some widely known cobras that do this include the black-necked cobra and the ringhals. The venom is spat up to 8 feet away and is very accurate.
What is the Hood on a Cobra?
When they are angry or feel threatened, a cobra will extend the ribs behind its head. These ribs are covered in flaps of skin, creating the appearance of a hood.
Why do Cobras Dance for Snake Charmers?
Cobras in the wild feel vibrations in the ground caused by sound waves; they have no ears, so they do not hear sound. For this reason they are not following the rhythm as they sway; they are mimicking the snake charmer. Snake charmers usually remove a cobra's fangs, venom sacs or even sew the reptile's mouth shut, so the practice is not as risky as it seems.