Photo taken by Derek and Sarah Solomon

Growing up to six feet in length, the snouted cobra is one of Africa’s largest and most intimidating snake. Living throughout parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, this spectacular creature is often found in rocky areas, deserts, hollowed tree holes, and atop termite mounds.

As a hunter of the night, the snouted cobra becomes active at night in search of small reptiles, frogs, birds eggs, and small rodents. During the day, the cobra can be found basking in the sun atop rocks and termite holes.

Snouted Cobra Facts:

* Although calm and quiet during the day, the snouted cobra will defend itself aggressively, if threatened, with a spread-hood threat display, often accompanied by a hissing sound. This sign of defense is a warning signal and is usually followed by quick strikes.

* The snouted cobra is a venomous snake, often injecting its unlucky path-crossers with up to 250 mg of deadly venom.

* The snouted cobra was once thought to be a subspecies of the Egyptian cobra but, in fact, is not.

* Laying anywhere from 5 – 30 eggs, the female snouted cobra has a gestation duration for merely a couple of months–roughly 2 months.

Photo from the ZSL London Zoo Website

Recorded by Derek and Sarah Solomon, the following mp3 is a recording of the snouted cobra as it shows off its threat-hood display and was taken during their visit to the Khamai Reptile Park in South Africa’s Limpopo Province:  Snouted Cobra Hiss-Strike. For more information contact Derek and Sarah at info@kuyimba.com.