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King Cobras: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About These Deadly Snakes

In the captivating realm of serpents and vipers, cobras emerge as a unique and formidable bunch. In this unique bunch, we find the king cobra which reigns as the epitome of uniqueness within their ranks.

Read some interesting facts about snakes here!

From its size to the unmistakable hood at the back of its head, the king cobra lives up to the title of 鈥榢ing鈥� in more ways than one. Found in the lush jungles and dense forests of Southeast Asia, the King Cobra weaves its tale of dominance and mystery, captivating our imaginations with its sheer presence.

This article will highlight some facts about the king cobra that you may not be aware of. Enjoy!

1. The Longest of All Venomous Snakes

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Of the hundreds of venomous snake species in existence, the King Cobra holds the crown as the longest. This is mostly because it is able to grow continuously throughout its lifespan.

As per expert measurements, King Cobras grow up to 18 feet long. The largest one on record currently stands at 18 feet 4 inches (5.59 m).

However, the average King Cobra length is around 10-13 feet. To put this in perspective, the python, the longest non-venomous snake grows up to 20 feet long.

See the most dangerous snakes in the world here!

2. Its Deadly Venom Affects The Nervous System

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A venomous snake, the King Cobra produces a poison that affects its victim’s nervous system. This type of poison is known as a neurotoxin and is one of two types produced by snakes.

The other type of venom is called homotoxin. Produced by snakes such as the viper and the rattlesnake, homotoxins affect the blood.

3. A King Kobra’s Neurotoxin Can Paralyse and Kill A Human in Minutes

On biting, the King Cobra releases a small dose of its neurotoxin into the victim’s system. However, while a tiny amount, the toxin is so powerful that it can paralyze and kill a fully grown human in minutes, even seconds depending on where bitten.

The toxin is so powerful that it is capable of taking out an elephant within merely three hours of a bite.

See our list of the top 10 most deadly snakes in the world here! 

4. Its Venom Is Used To Make Painkillers

In a rather bizarre and quite ironic turn of events, the King Cobra’s venom can be used for good. Scientists have harnessed the protein components in its neurotoxin to develop two pain relievers.

The first is known as Cobroxin because it’s from a cobra. Cobroxin is used to block nerve transmissions. The other is known as Nyloxin which is used to treat painful arthritis among other ailments.

5. Preyed On By The Mongoose

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Well, as they say, every Batman has a Joker. While the King Cobra is a force to be reckoned with, it has one creature that it avoids. That is the Mongoose that prey’s on it.

I know you’re probably wondering how the small mongoose fairs against an over 13-foot long King Cobra but they make it work. This is mostly because the Mongoose is resistant to most venoms including the King Cobra’s.

While it mostly feeds on rodents, it is also known to attack and kill snakes. The Mongoose will rarely pursue snakes but when provoked it has the upper hand as the poison is non-lethal.

6. The King Cobra Prey’s on Snakes

The King Cobra is a renowned Canibal and prefer’s pursuing and feeding on snakes other than other creatures. In fact, it was given its name because it eats fellow Cobra’s making it the “King” of all Cobra’s.

While fellow snakes are its preferred meal of the day, the King Cobra also feeds on other species such as lizards and small mammals.

7. The Neck Flaps Are Its Ribs

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No, that’s not a flare hood at the back of a King Cobra’s neck. What might appear as an extension of skin is actually a series of connected and moveable ribs and muscles that have crucial use.

In case of a threat or attack, the King Cobra hisses and “stands up” while simultaneously spreading out its ribs which enlarges the hood. This makes it look bigger or larger inflicting fear on its opponent.

8. They Can Live for Over 20 Years

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As mentioned, the King Cobra grows throughout its lifespan. It can grow to such great lengths thanks to a ridiculously long lifespan.

On average, King Cobras can live for 20 to 30 years. It is worth noting that its lifespan is dependent on many factors such as living conditions and even poachers or hunters.

The oldest recorded age for a King Cobra is 33 years of age. In comparison, the average lifespan of a snake is around 10 to 20 years.

9. Can Go Months Without Food

One factor that definitely helps the king cobra survive for so long is its ability to go for long periods without having to feed. After a large meal, it can survive for months on end without having to feed again.

This is thanks to its very slow metabolism. The period a given king cobra can survive without feeding varies depending on the size of its last meal, its age, health, and environmental conditions.

This ability also means that the king cobra is easily able to survive droughts, food shortages, and other natural disasters.

10. They Are The Only Snake Species That Builds Nests

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The female king cobra, unlike other snake species, displays maternal care by constructing simple nests for its eggs. It seeks out a suitable location and collects a loose pile of leaves, twigs, and other vegetation to form a rudimentary nest.

While the nests may not be as elaborate as some made by birds, they are more than most snakes do. The female king cobra will also watch the nest until the eggs are hatched. At times the male might help when the female goes out hunting.

See some fascinating facts about Green Sea Turtles here!

11. Adult King Cobras Shed Skin Six Times A Year

Like other snake species, the king cobra also undergoes ecdysis, the process of shedding old skin to allow for growth and rejuvenation. This process is necessary for snakes since unlike most animals, the skin of a snake does not grow as the snake itself grows.

How often a king cobra sheds skin is varied depending on its age and growth rate. Younger king cobras grow faster and therefore shed skin at least once per month.

Older king cobras on the other hand shed once in about two months. That is around six times a year.

12. King Cobras Can Climb Trees

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If a king cobra is on the loose, up a tree might not be as safe as you may assume. Despite its large size and reputation as a ground dweller, it possesses great climbing skills.

They grasp the tree trunks and branches when climbing by using their powerful, muscular body with their lengthy ventral scales. This ability expands their hunting ground as they are able to reach bird nests as well as small mammal hiding spots.

13. Fast Swimmers

As if climbing wasn鈥檛 enough, this multifaceted species is also an excellent swimmer. The king cobra uses its long, muscular body and flattened ventral scales to serpentine across the surface of the water and propel itself forward.

The king cobra’s tail also plays a huge role in its ability to swim. The strong tail acts as a rudder, providing stability and steering control. While they are primarily land dwellers, their swimming prowess adds to their versatility as an apex predator.

14. Considered Deities in Some Countries and Cultures

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The majestical king cobra has several myths and legends based around it more so in some Asian countries and cultures. In India, for instance, the King Cobra is revered and associated with deities such as Lord Shiva, symbolizing power and protection.

See some cultural and customary traditions from India here!

Also in India, it is said that if you kill a king cobra, its mate will hunt you down and take revenge. In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have their own tales of King Cobra’s strength, wisdom, and mythical qualities.

15. King Cobras Are the Smartest Snakes in The World

The king cobra, despite being a physical specimen, is also renowned for its exceptional intelligence and cognitive abilities. Experts have referred to it as the smartest snake in the world time and time again.

Their complex behaviors and problem-solving skills set them apart from many other snake species. The king cobra is able to learn and adapt to various situations differently. For example, hunting techniques are specific to given prey.

Additionally, King Cobras exhibit remarkable parental care, guarding their eggs until they hatch.

16. Not True Cobras

Although the name clearly suggests otherwise, the king cobra is not a 鈥渢rue鈥� cobra. This is because 鈥榯rue鈥� cobras belong to the genus Naja. King cobras, on the other hand, are sole members of their own genus, the Ophiophagus hence their scientific name Ophiophagus Hannah.

The King Cobra earned its name due to its impressive size and the ability to raise its head high off the ground, resembling the classic hood display seen in other cobras. However, there are some clear distinctions between the king cobra and 鈥榯rue cobras.鈥�

For instance, it can inject a significant amount of venom in a single bite because of its wider head and larger venom glands compared to other cobras. King Cobras also differ in that they are highly tree-dwelling and mostly feed on other snakes.

17. They Don鈥檛 Hear the Music of a Snake Charmers Flute

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Snake charming is the practice of hypnotizing or at least appearing to hypnotize a snake, often king cobras. This is done by playing a Pungi (a flute-like instrument) for the snake.

While the practice does exist today, it is dying out mostly because it has been banned in several countries including India. This is because contrary to belief, king cobras and other snakes are not hypnotized by the sound from the snake charmer鈥檚 flute.

Instead, they are merely mesmerized by the movement and shape of the instrument. This, therefore, means the risk of attack from this venomous king is high.

18. Have Distinct Marks Separating Them from Other Cobras

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To differentiate the king cobra from other cobra species, one just has to observe the distinct scale pattern on the back of its head. The King Cobra possesses a unique and easily identifiable characteristic called the “ocellate hood mark.”

This is a pattern of two large, oval-shaped scales on the back of its head, resembling an eye or spectacle. These ocellate scales are bordered by a series of smaller scales, further distinguishing the King Cobra.

In comparison, other cobras typically have a hood mark consisting of a single large-scale.

19. King Cobras Are a Vulnerable Species

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature鈥檚 (IUCN) Red List, the majestic king cobra is categorized as a 鈥渧ulnerable鈥� animal.

Their population is dwindling as a result of ongoing deforestation. The king cobra’s distinctive characteristics also make it one of the most sought-after creatures in both the legal and illicit international pet trade.

20. Responsible for About 5 Human Fatalities Per Year

King cobras rarely attack people without provocation. According to studies from the Department of Clinical Toxinology at the University of Adelaide, they cause fewer than 5 human deaths a year.

To put this into perspective, all snakebites kill between 81,000 and 138,000 people in a year. While they rarely attack, a king cobra will most likely lead to death or paralysis since treatment centers lack the means of attaining enough antivenom.

Also, the king cobra’s venom is very potent and fast-acting meaning the chance of getting to said treatment center in time is very low.

In conclusion, the king cobra is a magnificent being that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression. Sadly, the king cobra is an endangered and vulnerable species that requires protection. It is our responsibility to raise awareness, support conservation efforts, and advocate for the protection of this endangered species.