Get to know the Mozambique spitting cobra
The Mozambique spitting cobra is reluctant to bite, but unlike most other snakes it can spray its venom quite far and accurately.
IN the Durban area the Mozambique spitting cobra is the most common highly venomous snake encountered, however, they are not too common on the Bluff.
These cobras are olive brown to slate gray in colour with a salmon pink and dark barred/ blotched neck. The bright colour on the neck is clearly visible if the snake rears up and spreads a hood, however, large individuals are often reluctant to hood up.
The young measure around 25cm when hatched and as adults they average around one metre in length. In Durban, they often grow longer than 1.4 metre in length.
These snakes are not fussy eaters, they will eat anything from rodents to toads, other snakes and even insects.
Like any other snake, the Mozambique spitting cobra is reluctant to bite, but unlike most other snakes it can spray its venom quite far and accurately. The cobra’s first line of defense is to spray its venom.
What to do when you encounter snake venom:
Rinse eyes under clean running water for 10 to 15 minutes, if severe irritation persists, see a doctor.
Do not put milk into the eyes.
If bitten by a Mozambique spitting cobra, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Deaths are very rare.
Contact Warren Dick on 072-211-0353 to have some of your interesting insects, snakes or spiders identified. Follow the conversation on Facebook, Warren’s Small World.
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