Egyptian Cobra: Key Features & Facts

The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is a large, iconic African snake with distinctive traits:

• Hood – Broad, fan-like with eye-like markings to startle predators.
• Coloration – Variable: light to dark brown, black, sometimes banded.
• Size – Up to 2 m (6.5 ft), among the largest cobras.
• Venom – Potent neurotoxin; fatal without rapid antivenom.
• Spitting – Can accurately eject venom several meters as defense.
• Habitat – Savannas, grasslands, rocky areas across North and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Diet – Rodents, small snakes, birds, frogs, lizards.
• Cultural Role – Symbol of royalty and protection (goddess Wadjet) in ancient Egypt.

Highly venomous—observe only with expert guidance.