All about the Cape cobra

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - One of South Africa's most poisonous snakes is the Cape cobra, also called the "geelslang", "koperkapel" or "bruinkapel".

It is a medium-sized snake, growing to an average of 1.4m, but often 1.8m long.

Colour – variable, from pale creamy, yellow, orange yellow to dark brown and black. Some have dark stippling or light blotching. The juveniles' have a dark band on the throat. The variety of coloration can be found throughout any one area. Due to the size and colour it is sometimes confused with a mole snake.
Habits – Lives in burrows, empty termite nests and between or under rocks in fynbos, Karoo and very dry areas. It is active during daytime and early evening. Can be encountered on farms, in suburban gardens and in braai wood stacks. It will enter houses or conceal itself in motor vehicle engines. It feeds on anything it can catch, and will also scavenge and eat carrion. Many sightings have been documented, photos and videos taken of cape cobras eating puff adders. It will climb up trees to plunder bird nests.
Behaviour – When feeling threatened it will turn it's head towards the threat, raise the forepart of the body and spread a prominent hood. It is a bold snake that will stand it's ground and strike readily at any movement. However, if a person stood still it will normally lower the body and move in a different direction. The cape cobra together with the black mamba accounts for the most snakebite fatalities in South Africa.
Venom – Neurotoxin. A cobra bite is an extreme medical emergency. Symptoms are rapid; pain, difficult in breathing, loss of muscular control, sweating, nausea, unconsciousness. The bite can be rapidly fatal (as soon as 30 minutes) due to failure of the respiratory system. The venom of one bite is enough to kill seven to eight persons.
Treatment – Expose the bite if hidden by clothing and flush any excess venom away with a clean wet cloth. Remove constructive item such as rings, watches, shoes. Do not squeeze or cut the wound. No alcohol for victim, only water. Keep the victim still. Pressure bandage ( a crepe bandage) should be applied to the entire limb (as tight as should be used for a sprained ankle). A splint can be added to immobilise the limb. Do not let the victim walk, carry victim and keep him/her calm. Should get to hospital as soon as possible. On your way, phone the hospital and inform the emergency division about the bite. Respiratory assistance will be needed and large quantities of polyvalent anti venom may be required.
Reproduction – Oviparous. A female cape cobra will lay eight to 20 eggs in midsummer. When the juveniles hatch, they are 34 to 40cm long. Venomous from day one.

Fearless... Johan Barnard with a Cape cobra.