Indian Cobra

The Indian Cobra is one of the most well-known venomous snakes in the world, native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the 'big four' snakes responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents in India due to its wide distribution and proximity to human settlements.

Its bite delivers a potent neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom and is considered medically significant, contributing to a substantial number of snakebite cases across its range each year.

• Medium-large snake, typically 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
• Variable coloration from black and brown to yellowish or speckled
• Distinctive hood displaying a spectacle-like double-circle marking on the back when raised, though the pattern can be faint or absent
• Round pupils and smooth scales
• Broad hood formed by elongated ribs when threatened

The spectacle marking on the hood, when present, is a classic identifying feature, though populations vary and some individuals show a single-eye or no hood marking.

This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting forests, agricultural land, wetlands, and densely populated areas including villages and city outskirts. It is found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, often near human dwellings where rodent prey is abundant.

The Indian Cobra is active by day and night depending on temperature, often more active at dusk. It feeds on rodents, frogs, birds, and other snakes, playing an important role in controlling rodent populations near agricultural areas. When threatened, it raises the front of its body, spreads its hood, and hisses loudly as a defensive display. It is egg-laying, with females depositing clutches of around 10-30 eggs.