Here are some note-worthy King Cobra Facts
King Cobra Facts – King cobras have quite a reputation as the most scary kind of snake but here are other facts about this cold-blooded animal.
There are a lot of snake species all over the world. One of the most famous kinds is the cobra. Under the cobra category, the most popular and may have been the most scary for many people is the King Cobra.
Longest of Venomous Snakes
Adult snakes can reach 10 to 12 feet long and weigh up to 20 pounds but the recorded longest king cobra measured at 18 feet.
Its “Hoods” Are Actually Ribs
When King Cobras are in defense mode, their distinctive hoods flare around their faces. It looks like this is part of its skin, but it is actually a system of rib bones and muscles that can flex and move, based on the article in Treehugger.
Deadly Neurotoxin Venom
Poisonous snakes are under two categories: neurotoxic and hemotoxic. King cobras have neurotoxin which is a poison that directly affects a human’s or animal’s nervous system. Rattlesnakes and vipers have hemotoxins that affect the bloodstream of humans and other animals.
Cannibals
They may eat a small animal, rodent, or bird but their stomachs have digestive juices that can break down other snakes’ poison and render it safe.
Female Cobras Make Nests
Female cobras usually lay their eggs in the spring, and they create a nest of leaves and twigs to prepare for their young ones. They also create walls and a cover to insulate and protect the eggs.
Use Sound to Defend Themselves
They use multiple defense tactics to protect themselves when they think they are in a dangerous situation. In most situations, they would rather get away than fight. They can move as fast as 12 mph. One of their defense mechanisms is their unique moan. Cobras would hiss. At times, they also use this moan to signal to their predators to back away.