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Like a water pistol, a spitting cobra defends itself by shooting venom at an enemy’s eyes through a small hole in its bottom fangs. Venom in the eye inflicts stinging, burning pain and can cause blindness. Spitting venom is only for self-defense; to kill prey, a cobra must inject venom through a bite.

 

Indochinese Spitting Cobra on log

Did You Know?

A spitting cobra can hit a target with venom from up to eight feet away.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Naja siamensis

Range:
Southeast Asia

Zoo Location:
Reptile House

Diet:
Rodents, snakes and other small animals

Risk Status:
Species at Risk (IUCN—Vulnerable)