Cobra – the docile devil

Cobras have been the most revered reptiles in India. Perhaps the only reptiles to have a high spiritual significance in our culture, cobras are both respected and feared throughout the country. This has also been the reason that cobras aren't easily attacked by spectators.

The Indian sub-continent hosts four types of cobra species – the Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja), Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera) and Central Asian Cobra (Naja oxiana). However, it is Spectacled and Monocled cobras that occur vastly throughout the country. Both these cobra species share the same habitat but are quite different in their behavior.

Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia)

Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja)

For rescuers, it is important to have enough knowledge of cobra behavior before handling/rescuing one. Rescue tactics would largely depend upon the behavior of the particular specimen, the condition of the cobra and the length/age of the species.

Specimen

We are all human beings, but we all come with different behavioral traits. I believe that the same applies to reptiles. The way a cobra would behave cannot be determined after handling a few species. Consequently, rescuers have to alert and cautious at all times. Some cobras seem to be gentle when handling/bagging but other can be quite aggressive. Restraining a cobra and lifting it up by the tail is the easy part and takes just a few minutes depending upon the location. It is the bagging that is the major challenge.

Condition

Cobras always get excessive attention. Because of their spiritual significance, a cobra rescue spot will always attract the locals. Crowd management skills consequently are necessary for a rescuer. I have seen people offering milk bowls, sticking incense sticks near a cobra hole/burrow and even flowers. Highly cornered, the reptile will evidently be quite agitated.

In some rescue calls, I have also experienced people trying to be the savior of ‘God’ and in the process injuring the reptile. This will make the specimen more violent that it should be.

Length/age

Venom in reptiles is largely to stalk and kill prey. Seldom do they use it to attack and fend off threats. For cobras, the first stance would be lifting up the neck, revealing the hood and making the hissing sound. However, this again is learnt through experience. Juvenile cobras will attack and try to bite more frequently than larger/experienced reptiles. Also, juvenile cobras will be able to turn around quickly and grab hold of your hands.

Spectacled v/s Monocled

Spectacled and Monocled cobras are differentiated by the hood mark. In case of spectacles it will be a ‘U’ shaped mark on the back of the neck while Monocled Cobras would have a complete ‘O’. This is also the reason why Spectacled Cobras are referred to as Bicellate Cobras.

In terms of behavior, Monocled Cobras are much more aggressive than their spectacled counterparts. The venom is neurotoxic for both. Monocled Cobras also possess the fangs that would be able to spit out venom to a fair distance, but they have rarely been seen to use it.

Rescue protocols

Venomous or not, every reptile is to be approached with utmost caution. It is not just for the safety of the rescuer but also to prevent any injury to the reptile. Once you have been able to get hold of the tail, the immediate protocol is to try and bag it.

When trying to restrain the head of the snake to get hold of the tail, it is important that you are away from the striking range of the snake. The striking range here would refer to the fore body length that the specimen is able to lift from the ground. Again, some juvenile cobras might use a spring mechanism to grab hold of your hands. So, it’s best to guide it to the bagger when you can without touching it.

Striking range is the length of the fore body that the cobra lifts up

If you find a cobra in an agitated state, it would be worthwhile if you can give it some time before handling it. The easiest thing to do is to put it under a bucket upside down.

When undisturbed, cobras can be very easy to handle. However, make good use of the time you have and put it in your bagger as soon as you can. I have seen rescuers displaying their skills for the public and agitating the reptile in the process. Well, there is really no fame in it.

Important notes:

1. Don’t try to touch / grab / restrict the cobra from its head unless it is absolutely necessary.
2. Stay away from the striking distance.
3. Wear boots to every rescue.
4. Use a hook/tong just to restrain the head until you grab the tail end.
5. If you are using a tong, don’t press it too hard on the spine. It can be life threatening
6. Bag the snake as soon as you can. In some case, you can just keep the bagger in the path of the cobra and see it finding shelter in the dark.
7. Minimum handling is advised.
8. Don’t showoff and get distracted.
9. Release the cobra as close to the rescue site as you can. Stick to a maximum radius of 5 kilometers.
10. Stay safe!