Learn more about the Snouted Cobra
Pieter Swanepoel, local snake expert, educates readers on the Snouted Cobra also known as the Savanna Corba, commonly found in Limpopo
MOKOPANE – This is what he said:
It is large specie Cobra and adult sizes differ from 1,2 m to 1,8 m, but they can reach a length of 2,5 m. Colouration differs from yellowish to greyish-brown, dark brown or blue-black on dorsal scales.
Ventral scales are yellow with dark mottles. You find a banded phase as well with 7-11 yellow and darker brown cross bars.
A black throat band is prominent with juveniles, which fades with age. When threatened the Snouted Cobra will display an impressive hood.
Note that the Snouted Cobra does not spit or spray any venom. It can fake death as well. Snouted Cobras are most active during night time and are commonly found in bush-veld areas.
They eat frogs, birds, eggs, other snakes especially the Puff Adders.
The bite of a Snouted Cobra cause neurological paralysis.
The effect is normally under an hour, often within minutes in severe envenomation. Death is caused by respiratory paralysis, which means your lungs will stop functioning and you will die of lack of oxygen.
What to do when bitten:
With the Snouted Cobra’s Neurotoxic venom the venom is absorbed by the lymphatic system, so try and move as little as possible, until proper first aid is in place and keep the victim’s airway clear.
Pressure Immobilization:
Apply a broad bandage and wrap from the distal to the proximal limb to occlude the lymphatic system and trap the venom bolus in the area of injection.
It should be wrapped as tight as for a sprained ankle (55 mm Hg), and the limb should be immobilized.
Please note that both these conditions need to be met in order for this method to be effective. This is effective treatment for neurotoxic cobra bites only.
It does not work in the case of a Mamba bite.
•At the hospital it is very important to inform the doctors about the type of snake that caused the bite and at what time the bite occurred.
