Tag: deadly snakes

Footage shows man handling frightened baby cobra; ‘Don’t try this’

During the ‘dangerous’ interaction the cobra flares its head in a behavior that signifies that it feels threatened.

Footage showing a person handling a baby cobra – and the reptile flaring its head defensively – has generated varied reactions.

The footage (posted below) was shared via Instagram recently by World of Snakes. The post’s author, David Frohlich, stated: “This is dangerous. Don’t try this.”

The footage shows the handler petting and even picking up the cobra, and the cobra flaring its head in an action that signifies that it feels threatened.

However, the handler is gentle and at no time does the snake appear to bite his hand.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCpQZZYtJIK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=df2f4c81-2829-434f-bd7a-503a97206dde

Reads a top comment: “That’s actually pretty dangerous, babies don’t know how much venom use when [they] bite, so a single bite can be full of venom and more dangerous than a grown one.”

A sampling of other reactions:

– “So cute but deadly!”

– “In the words of Steve Irwin: What a beauty.”

– “Takes you to the coffin with one kiss.”

– “They are still dangerous and have plenty of venom even if they’re that small. What people do for the sake of getting likes. Wake up people.”

As of Monday morning, the Nov. 21 post had garnered more than 60,000 likes.

World of Snakes has 1.9 million Instagram followers and Frohlich has nearly 90,000 followers. His Instagram motto: “Find what you love and let it kill you.”

‘Would you have stepped on it?’ Deadly snake ridiculously hard to spot

The puff adder is nearly impossible to spot until the narrator zooms in and reveals the venomous snake hiding in the bushes.

The puff adder is one of the deadliest snakes in Africa, and also an expert at camouflage.

Can you spot the puff adder in the accompanying image, or in the footage before the narrator zooms in? (Footage posted below.)

Or, as asked by Watamu Snake Farm in Kenya: “Would you have stepped on it?”

As for the image, look just left of the dangling gold leaf and good luck. The answer is best provided in the footage as the narrator discusses the snake’s ability to remain hidden while it “lies in wait.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHH8gSoBrO/

A few facts about puff adders, courtesy of Siyabona Africa:

–The puff adder gets its name for its propensity to inflate itself and hiss when threatened.

–The puff adder’s venom causes swelling, blisters, and tissue damage. Snake bite victims are urged to seek medical help as quickly as possible. (Most fatalities occur because of a secondary infection or improper medial care.)

–The puff adder is extra dangerous because it typically holds its ground when danger approaches, relying on camouflage. It will not retreat from footsteps and it will bite if stepped upon.

From Siyabona Africa: “The Puff Adder is responsible for more bites and fatalities in Africa than any other snake due to its habit of not moving away from approaching footsteps, instead blowing out air as a warning, hence the name.”