Facts about Cape Cobra

1. 06

   Yellow coloration distinguishes the Cape Cobra from other African cobra species, ranging from pale cream to bright golden-yellow across populations in South Africa's Western Cape region.

   Cape CobraMay 14shareappearancegeographybiology
2. 05

   During defensive encounters, Cape Cobras raise their bodies up to one meter off the ground while expanding their distinctive hood to appear larger and more threatening to predators.

   Cape CobraMay 14sharebehaviordefensemeasurement
3. 04

   In captivity, Cape Cobras have demonstrated lifespans of 15-20 years, significantly longer than their estimated 10-12 year lifespan in the wild.

   Cape CobraMay 14sharebiologylifespanbehavior
4. 03

   Naja nivea, the Cape Cobra, holds the distinction of being South Africa's most venomous snake species by some toxicological measures, with an LD50 of 0.7 milligrams per kilogram in mice.

   Cape CobraMay 14sharetoxicologybiologymeasurement
5. 02

   A Cape Cobra can spit its venom up to 2.5 meters away with remarkable accuracy, making it one of Africa's most dangerous spitting cobras.

   Cape CobraMay 14sharebehaviordefensemeasurement
6. 01

   The Cape Cobra's venom contains neurotoxins potent enough to kill a human within 30 minutes if untreated.

   Cape CobraMay 14sharebiologyvenommeasurement