How to Identify an Egyptian Cobra

The Egyptian cobra is responsible for more human deaths from snake bite than any other snake in the world. This is due to the large numbers of Egyptian cobras that live in and around people. Learn how to identify the Egyptian cobra as the ultra-venomous snake it is.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars

1. Know where you might encounter the Egyptian cobra. The Egyptian cobra is found throughout North Africa and the Middle East. While it can be found around desert regions, the Egyptian cobra will not stray very far from a water source. It prefers dry spaces though and it has been found in the water as well.

2. Learn the Egyptian cobra's habits. The Egyptian cobra will often enter residences in search of food. The Egyptian cobra preys on vermin, as well as any other small mammal. This brings them into contact with humans because of mice, and even chickens found in public areas. The Egyptian cobra also feeds on other snakes.

3. Realize that the Egyptian cobra is the most common cobra found in Africa and throughout its range. This cobra is aggressive and will bite if threatened. The Egyptian cobra has a very serious venomous bite and should be treated by medical personnel immediately.

4. Notice the distinctive hood of the Egyptian cobra. When threatened, the Egyptian cobra rises off the ground and spreads its neck wide to appear larger. This behavior is common to most cobras as well. The Egyptian cobra can be recognized by looking at the head, which is very flat. The eyes are very large and they focus sharply on movement.

5. Compare the size of the Egyptian cobra to the king cobra. While the king cobra can reach upwards of 15 feet, the Egyptian cobra is usually around 6 feet in length. Larger specimens can grow to 8 feet or more, but this is rare.

6. Consider the Egyptian cobra's temper and behavior. The Egyptian cobra would much rather retreat and save venom for a prey item, but it will gladly strike and inject if you threaten it. When an Egyptian cobra is startled, or otherwise irritated, it will raise up a couple of feet off the ground and often emit a loud hiss. When faced with this dangerous reptile, slowly back away and leave it alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Use binoculars to view the Egyptian cobra at a distance.
• Do not attempt to handle this venomous snake. Leave the snake wrangling to the experts.
• If bitten, get medical help immediately.

[Abdulrahman2000]

on 11/8/2008 It's the first time for me to know that this kind of cobra is living in Egypt, around people. This is not true at all, but you may find them only in the western desret in Egypt.