How to Identify the Red Spitting Cobra

The red spitting cobra is an African snake that is famous for being able to squirt venom through the fangs as a defensive gesture. This snake is certainly dangerous, as are all cobras. Identifying this snake is of paramount importance to anyone that comes across it, as the venom can cause blindness and even death if injected in a bite. This snake has the added challenge of having different looks based on where the species originated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Note where you are when you see the snake. Various parts of Africa have different versions of the red spitting cobra. Not all species are red in color. Also, the age of the snake can affect this coloration as well. In Kenya, the red spitting cobra will be an orange-red color as a rule with a black neck band. In other areas the red spitting cobra will be red and then darken with age. The throat bands can vary from black to blue, and even cream in some species.

2. Observe the slender build of this elapid. The red spitting cobra is actually very small for the cobra species. Adults will only approach about 140 cm at the largest, and they are very slim. This allows the red spitting cobra to remain hidden during the day and also to be quite fast when bothered.

3. Note the time of day when you see the red spitting cobra. This snake stays in termite mounds, brush piles, holes in the ground and even rock piles during the light of day and only comes out to hunt at night. If you see a red spitting cobra during the day, it is usually a youngster. This is thought to be because adult cobras are known to cannibalize the young. This forces the young red spitting cobra to hunt when the adults are hidden away for the day.

4. Look at the eyes of the snake. The red spitting cobra has very distinct round eyes with very round pupils. This feature helps to identify the red spitting cobra quickly. These eyes stand out very clearly in most red spitting cobras.

5. Observe the head of this dangerous snake. The head is actually quite small in relation to the rest of its body. The red spitting cobra does house two fangs that can inject venom when it strikes. The fangs also have the distinction of being able to spray venom up to four feet with incredible accuracy. They tend to spray at the eyes of a potential attacker so that they can then slither away. This is quite painful to the human eye and can be blinding in severe cases.

6. Observe the terrain around you when you come across this snake. The red spitting cobra is generally found near a water source. This is due to the fact that they love to eat frogs. They prefer semi-desert regions and can also be found on the Savannah. The red spitting cobra can be found throughout Africa.

Tips & Warnings

• Always tread carefully when in snake country. Observe this snake only from a long distance.
• Beware the accuracy of this snake when spitting. They can hit your eyes from four feet away. Never attempt to handle this snake as it has a venomous bite. Always seek medical attention if bitten or sprayed by this snake.