Cobras

From Wild India

Spectacled Cobra Naja naja

Snake with broad head when the hood is not raised. The colour is variable from light wheat brown to dark mud brown; has a variable spectacle like marking on the hood. Usually 2 - 4ft and can grow up to 5ft. Found in Scrub jungle to Moist Deciduous forest; Common in Agricultural fields & in Human habitations. Good swimmer and a climber too.Feeds on small rodents, birds & eggs, toads, lizards & small snakes. The Most widely distributed amongst Indian venomous snakes, sighted very frequently in south peninsular India.

Cobras when cornered or threatened raise their hood and hiss. Initial symptoms of a cobra bite may vary – Pain & swelling, burning or disorientation. It’s responsible for a large number of fatal bites.

Can be confused with other snakes like- Banded Racer & sometimes Rat Snake.