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Watch: What Happens When Two Of The Deadliest Snakes in the World Meet

deadliest snakes
Screenshot from YouTube video

In a rare encounter, two of the world’s deadliest snakes meet, the king cobra and the Chinese cobra. The video, devoid of any violent confrontation, highlights a peaceful interaction, underscoring the complexity and nuanced behavior of these snakes.

cowyeow on Youtube

Two of the Deadliest Snakes Meet

King Cobra
King cobras are the longest venomous snakes in the world, capable of reaching lengths of up to 18 feet. Image by Anil Sharma via Unsplash

The video showcases how a king cobra and a Chinese cobra meet, both classified as some of the deadliest snakes in the world. They inspect each other, seemingly more curious than aggressive – but the atmosphere remains tense. The interaction, fortunately, ends without conflict, with one snake eventually choosing to peacefully slither away.

This footage was shot in Hong Kong, in the middle of a road, by the looks of it, telling us these highly venomous snakes are dangerous close to people.

King Cobra

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
King cobra Image via Depositphotos

The king cobra, scientific name Ophiophagus hannah, is the world’s longest venomous snake, reaching lengths of up to 18 feet. Native to forests in India through Southeast Asia, this snake is revered and feared due to its impressive size and potent venom.

The king cobra’s diet primarily consists of other snakes, earning it the title of ‘snake-eater.’ Its distinctive hood, which it expands when threatened, and its deep, resonant hiss, make it an iconic snake.

Chinese Cobra

Chinese cobra
LiCheng Shih, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Chinese cobra, scientific name Naja atra, is a smaller, yet equally formidable, species. Typically growing to about 5 feet in length, it is found predominantly in China and some parts of Southeast Asia. The Chinese cobra is known for its agility and the potency of its venom, which contains neurotoxins and cardiotoxins.

This species is easily recognizable by its distinctive hood markings and its tendency to display a hood when threatened or agitated.

Which One Has the Most Potent Venom?

king cobra
Michael Allen Smith

When comparing the venom potency of the king cobra and the Chinese cobra, it’s crucial to note that the king cobra’s venom is not the most toxic among snakes. However, the volume of venom it can deliver in a single bite—up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce—is enough to kill 20 people or even an elephant. In contrast, the Chinese cobra’s venom is more toxic but delivered in smaller amounts.

Thus, while the Chinese cobra has more potent venom, the king cobra’s bite is more dangerous due to the sheer volume of venom injected.

How to Tell Them Apart: King Cobra Vs. Chinese Cobra

deadliest snakes
Screenshot from YouTube video by cowyeow
  • Size: The king cobra is significantly longer, reaching up to 18 feet, while the Chinese cobra generally grows to about 5 feet.
  • Skin Patterns: The king cobra has chevron patterns on its skin, while the Chinese cobra’s skin pattern is less distinct.
  • Head Shape: The king cobra has a more elongated head, in contrast to the Chinese cobra’s more rounded head.
  • Hood Markings: The Chinese cobra displays more distinct hood markings compared to the king cobra.
  • Coloration: The Chinese cobra typically has a darker coloration than the king cobra.

Two of the Deadliest Snakes Meet: Closing Thoughts

king cobra
Vishnukanayathil

Both of these snakes met their match, as they both possess some of the deadliest venom in the world. Although one of them goes by the name of “snake-eater”, this unusual interaction remained a peaceful one. Their interaction serves as a reminder of the diverse and complex nature snakes, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife.

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