All Cobras
have potent venom and bites should be given medical attention at once. There are several Cobra species
that are able to spit their venom over a distance of
several metres, a most useful defence. The spray is
aimed at the eyes of an aggressor and is so painful that
the snake has the chance to escape. If the eyes are
washed out immediately with lots of water (or any bland
liquid) no permanent damage will follow but neglected
cases can result in blindness. Cobras are large snakes
with solid bodies. They can climb and some species live
in trees but most, including the Spitting Cobras, are
found at ground level, eating almost any kind of small
mammal or bird, eggs, other snakes and even
carrion. Very secretive and often manage to live near
houses for years without being seen.
Seldom
growing over 3 metres. They live in the green canopy of
trees and bush where they are not competing with Black
Mambas – they eat much the same sort of prey and are
very useful in controlling fruit-crop raiders such as
birds. Their colour is bright green. They
have a calmer nature than Black Mambas, their venom is
not as strong and fatalities much less likely but a bite
should be considered an emergency and antivenom might be
necessary.
Jameson's Mamba
Dendroaspis jamesoni
Black Mamba Dendroaspis polylepis
Large – growing to more than three
metres. Their actual colour is not black but a light
grey or brown with pale bellies. The inside of the
mouth is black and they open the mouth in a threat
display when cornered so the name may have come from
that. They live in the lower bush and at ground level
but are very alert and will escape rapidly if given the
chance. However, if cornered they can become
dangerous. The venom is potent and quick acting and
should be regarded as a medical emergency. Mambas eat
small mammals, birds and bats. Excellent eyesight.
