In Stellenbosch, South Africaa rare incident caught attention: a cape cobra It was found in the least expected place: under a pillow. The event was documented by Stellenbosch Snake Removalsa service specializing in the capture and removal of dangerous snakes, which posted a video on social media showing the reptile expert, Emile Rossouw as he carefully but firmly removed the snake. In the video, Rossouw jokingly comments: “It’s not something you want in your bed.”. However, the nature of this encounter is by no means trivial, as the Cape Cobra is one of the most venomous and deadly snakes in all of Africa.
The Cape cobra is famous for its imposing appearance and its highly toxic venom, which is neurotóxicowhich means that it directly affects the central nervous system, producing progressive weakness that can paralyze the muscles responsible for breathing. In extreme cases, the bite can be fatal if urgent medical treatment is not given, such as antidote and respiratory support.
According to the African Snakebite Institutethe Cape cobra shares with the black mamba the title of being responsible for the majority of fatal bites in South Africa. This snake, which can reach a length of up to 2 meters, is characterized by its speed and its ability to get up and show its hood when it feels threatened. This intimidating posture is one of its main defenses, although, in extreme situations, it can quickly attack and bite. Furthermore, in its defense, the Cape cobra also may adopt a more aggressive attitudewithout hesitating to stand firm in the face of the threat, which makes it an even greater challenge for rescuers or people trying to avoid it.
The Cape cobra presents notable variability in its coloration. Could be negra, brown (both light and dark), beige, yellow or even speckleddepending on the region where you are located. Juvenile specimens usually have a dark band on neckwhich differentiates them from other snakes, such as the topo o to black spitting cobrawith which they are often confused. This diversity in color is one of the factors that has generated confusion when identifying the snake, especially for those who are not familiar with the local species.
Despite their variability, all specimens share a common characteristic: they are extremely poisonous. The Cape Cobra can inject a significant amount of venom with a single bitewhich can be fatal if immediate action is not taken. According to the BBC Wildlife Magazineits venom is as powerful as that of the black mamba, which places this snake among the most dangerous on the African continent.
The cape cobra It is distributed mainly by cape provinces from South Africaalthough it also extends towards Free Statehe Northwest and parts of botswana y Namibia. In these territories, the snake is found in both rural and urban areas, especially where there are adequate hiding spaces and an available food source. This explains why an incident like the one in Stellenbosch, where he is found in a bed, It’s not as strange as it seems.
In general, Cape cobras prefer dry and sunny habitatsbut they can also be found in cultivated areas and suburban areas. Although They tend to avoid human presencetheir adaptability allows them to survive in different environments, from the most rugged areas to urban areas, which makes them a species with a fairly wide distribution capacity.
Despite its danger, the Cape cobra is an animal that plays a crucial role in the ecological balance by controlling the populations of rodents, birds and other snakes. Their diet includes rodents, frogs, lizards, birds, and occasionally other snakes. It is even known to consume carrionlike dead snakes in traffic accidents.
Although it is not an easy predator to defeat, the Cape cobra has several natural enemies. Among these are the honey badgerknown for his daring ability to confront poisonous snakes, the on the edge and several species of mongooses. Even some birds, such as secretariatsare known to attack cobras, especially younger specimens, which are more vulnerable.
The Cape cobra breeding season takes place between November and Decemberwhen males look for females to copulate. After this process, the female lays between 8 and 20 eggs They hatch after approximately 60 days. The young, which are born with a length of about 30 cmare completely poisonous from the moment of their birth, allowing them to defend themselves against possible threats from an early age.
