Indian Cobra
Naja naja · Elapidae
Also called: Spectacled Cobra, Asian Cobra
One of India's 'big four' snakes responsible for the most human deaths. Famous for the spectacle-shaped marking on the back of its spread hood.
What the Indian Cobra looks like
How to identify it
- 1Spreads a broad hood with a spectacle (eyeglass) marking when threatened
- 2Brown, black or tan body, sometimes with bands
- 3Rears up to a third of its length
- 4Smooth scales and a rounded snout
Snakes it's confused with
Harmless rat snakes are often killed in fear; cobras spread a distinctive hood.
Behavior & danger to humans
Will rear, hood and hiss as a warning; bites deliver potent neurotoxin.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal neurotoxic venom. A bite requires urgent antivenom.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.