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Project Noah Nature School
Naja mossambica
In color the snake is slate to olive grey, olive or tawny brown above, with some or all scales black-edging. The average length of adults is between 900mm - 1,050mm (2½-3 feet), but largest specimen actually measured was a male 1,540mm (4 feet) long. (Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa). It is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa. Like the Rinkhals, it can spit its venom. Its bite causes severe local tissue destruction (similar to that of the puff adder). Venom to the eyes can also cause impaired vision or blindness.
This species is the most common cobra of the savanna regions of the tropical and subtropical Africa.
This cobra came right up to the glass to investigate us, completely fearless. It was awesome! Still wish they could all be free.
Spotted on Oct 6, 2012
Submitted on Oct 12, 2012
3 Comments
Ooh, yes agreed asergio. Nice from far but far from nice. I was standing completely still and yet he came right up to my face / divided by the glass of course. Can you see the "crystallized" venom on its mouth? We had a one on one moment then it turned around. Brilliant moment with nature! (sadly captive non the less)
One of George Adamson's Lion , Ugas, lost an eye because a Cobra spit into his eye. I read that these snakes can sit up-to as tall as 4 ft.
You know, I have a healthy and wise (I think) fear of snakes. But one that can reach you from far really freaks me... Fine spotting, btw!