Spitting Cobras

D

Dahsyat

Joined
Oct 3, 2005
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264
A few weeks ago, we were in hot pursuit to catch a pack of wild boars near a rice field. One of my friends was directly in front of me, running flat out. In the corner of his vision he saw a black snake near our path and instinctively picked it up. He is a snake charmer and makes it all look too easy... He soon was running with us again with the snake in his hand. Out of the excitement between watching where the wild boars would run and coordinating the dogs he stopped and brought the snake up to see how it was doing. Bad mistake. The snake spat venom right in his right eye. He calmly walked to a small stream nearby and washed his eyes with the water. He got some red eye but soon recovered just fine. He told me that the worst thing one could do was to panic and start rubbing the eyes in which the venom can work its way in to the eyes from the tearing of the tissues.

I thought spitting cobra venom is dangerous on contact with any part of the eye? Does anybody have any experience with this? I would like to have any information that might be helpful.

I have been to that particular area three times, and twice I saw a spitting cobra. I am sure there is a giant queen cobra there who does nothing but sits and produces cobra babies 24/7…

Here's the area where it happened:

SJG.jpg
 
He's recovered fully and rather quickly, only by gently washing with water from the nearby stream.

Which gets me thinking: is the spitting venom overrated? Or did he just manage the incident correctly? I don't know enough about venom to form any conclusion...
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_venom

Mechanics of spitting

It must be added that the venom can be ejected otherwise than by a bite, as in the so-called spitting cobras of the genera Naja and Hemachatus. The fact that some of these deadly snakes when irritated are in the habit of shooting venom from the mouth, at a distance of 4 to 8 feet, even apparently aiming at a man’s eyes, has been too often witnessed in and Malaysia, and especially in Africa, from the days of the ancient Egyptians, for any doubt to subsist as to their being endowed with this faculty, the mechanism by which this action is produced can be satisfactorily explained. The snakes fangs have been modified by nature in a way to allow it to spit venom. In a conventional snake the snake fang is like a hypodermic needle that is hollow and pushes the venom into the body of its prey. In a spitting cobra the snake fang on the inside has a ninety degree bend to the outside at the base of the fang. When the snake is threatened the muscles of the venom gland of the snake squeeze the venom sack and as a result causes the venom to project its self forward. The snake by evolution and trial and error is assumed to know that the eyes are the best place to strike. This causes temporary shock and blindness which if left untreated can be permanent. The spitting is a defence reaction only. The spitting, may take place thirty or forty times in succession. A calculated assumption is made that about only 2% venom is delivered in every spitting attempt. Though even after so many spitting strikes the snake is still very capable to deliver a fatal bite. If reaching the eye, the poisonous fluid causes severe inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, but no serious results if washed away at once with plenty of water. The venom is not corrosive to the skin but envenoming effects can be seen if an open wound is present on the body.
 
Agreed, it looks like you live in a beautiful area. Don't know too much about the cobras (except for what i watch on animal planet) but it really looks like a beautiful area. Boar hunting down there looks like it would be a load of fun.
 
wow...wish I got the chance to hang with you guys... looks like some awesome terrain...your friend sounds like he's got alot of experience with indigenous snake species I'd trust his advice. (unless you have reason to dout it)....I though rattlers were scary enough...you guys got snakes with squirt guns...that's hardcore!!! great pics and a good unusual post...
 
from a snake book i have:
"The venom of Black-necked Spitters causes sever symptoms, including permanent blindness, if not treated; whereas the venoms of other African species and the Asian spitters mainly result in pain, swelling of the eyelids, and conjuctivitis."
 
RescueRiley said:
wow...wish I got the chance to hang with you guys... looks like some awesome terrain...your friend sounds like he's got alot of experience with indigenous snake species I'd trust his advice. (unless you have reason to dout it)....I though rattlers were scary enough...you guys got snakes with squirt guns...that's hardcore!!! great pics and a good unusual post...
Click to expand...

I think my friend is right. He practiced what he preached, and it worked for him...

You're welcome to take part in our excursions, any time.... :)
 
If for some reason, I'm ever anywhere near a cobra, I'll be the guy standing behind all of you. With big boots and welding gloves and a face-shield on, lol. Show me the pictures when it's all over :o ;)
 
Beautiful country.
Cobra venom is only dangerous if it comes in contact to an open wound with access to the bloodstream (bite/scratch/abrasions). Obviously the greatest danger is through a bite. It works on the nervous system causing paralysis and suffocation through respiratory shutdown.
The 'spitting' is accomplished by expelling venom into a forceful exhalation (strong 'hiss') and is used as a defensive/distractive survival mechanism.
That they aim specifically for the eyes is possibly myth. They aim at a moving perceived threat. Mongooses (mongeese?) or similar snake predators, moving human heads are common targets. Since animals and people tend to keep their eyes on frikkin big snakes, chances are great it will get in the eyes and cause temporary blindness.

I'll stay in Texas. At least some of the snakes here warn you when you get in their space. Not that I listen all that well....
 
Merek said:
That they aim specifically for the eyes is possibly myth. They aim at a moving perceived threat. Mongooses (mongeese?) or similar snake predators, moving human heads are common targets. Since animals and people tend to keep their eyes on frikkin big snakes, chances are great it will get in the eyes and cause temporary blindness.

I'll stay in Texas. At least some of the snakes here warn you when you get in their space. Not that I listen all that well....
Click to expand...

I never underestimate the capabilities of any wildlife in their natural environment. I have seen animals do weird stuff...

As for the local snakes, very rarely do I see spitting cobras. The ones I see were always running away from me, including perhaps this one, had my friend not snatched it up like it was a piece of twig...
 
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