Cobra, any of various species of highly venomous
snake s, most of which expand the neck ribs to
form a hood. While the hood is characteristic of
cobras, not all of them are closely related. Cobras
are found from southern Africa through southern
Asia to islands of Southeast Asia . Throughout
their range, different species are favourites of
snake charmers, who frighten them into
assuming the upreared defense posture. The
snake sways in response to the movement and
perhaps also to the music of the charmer, who
knows how to avoid the relatively slow strike and
who may have removed the snake’s fangs . The
short fangs at the front of the mouth have an
enclosed groove, which delivers the venom .
Cobra venom generally contains neurotoxins
active against the nervous system of prey—
primarily small vertebrates and other snakes.
Bites, particularly from larger species, can be
fatal depending on the amount of venom
injected. Neurotoxins affect breathing, and
although antivenin is effective, it must be
administered soon after the bite. Thousands of
deaths occur each year in South and Southeast
Asia.
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