Indian Cobra

The Indian Cobra (Naja naja) is known around the world as highly poisonous snake that feeds on rodents, lizards and frogs. Besides biting, the snake can attack or defend itself from a distance by ‘spitting’ venom, which, if it enters the opponent's eyes, causes severe pain and damage. The cobra forces the venom through its fangs, by exerting muscular pressure on the venom glands, so that it sprays out in twinjets for 2 m (6 1/2 ft) or more. When threatened, the Indian Cobra will assume its characteristic posture - the front one-third of its body will be raised above the ground and its flexible neck ribs and loose skin being spread out to form its distinctive hood, which bears markings resembling eyes.

The Cobra is a smooth-scaled snake with black eyes, a wide neck and head, and a medium-sized body. The color varies from black to dark brown, to a creamy white. The snake is commonly seen throughout India. Indian cobras pay more attention to their eggs than the usual snakes.