I've had a lifelong fascination with venomous snakes. As a kid, we routinely caught rattlesnakes and relocated them. As a kid, I had a small NP rattlesnake I kept as a pet. he was very docile and could be picked up and handled, albeit carefully. I just always seemed to have a natural ability to work with and around all sorts of animals and snakes were no exception.
Recently, I met a fellow musician who has the requisite permits required to possess vipers and members of the Cobra family. I was thrilled to be invited to see his laboratory. Technically speaking, true cobras are members of the genus Naja, although many other elpididae either possess hoods or the ability to raise the upper part of their body too, my favorite snake is the Cobra.
While the Puff Adder and Arabian Horned Viper were indeed impressive, my fascination was drawn to a very curious Naja kaouthia or Monocled Cobra. This 2 meter long female studied me for the better part of 15 minutes. It did not spread its hood and it was most inquisitive, watching my slow hand movements and making direct eye contact frequently.
He and his wife were stunned and commented on the fact that the snake is never unhooded when he or anyone else approaches the enclosure. Perhaps these creatures can sense something that only they can see???
It was an amazing experience and one that makes me regret I did not pursue a zoology/herpetology degree and explore working with venomous snakes.
I did not take photos during this excursion, even though invited to do so. I just felt that being 100% focused and attentive was the best method of appreciating these amazing creatures...
Recently, I met a fellow musician who has the requisite permits required to possess vipers and members of the Cobra family. I was thrilled to be invited to see his laboratory. Technically speaking, true cobras are members of the genus Naja, although many other elpididae either possess hoods or the ability to raise the upper part of their body too, my favorite snake is the Cobra.
While the Puff Adder and Arabian Horned Viper were indeed impressive, my fascination was drawn to a very curious Naja kaouthia or Monocled Cobra. This 2 meter long female studied me for the better part of 15 minutes. It did not spread its hood and it was most inquisitive, watching my slow hand movements and making direct eye contact frequently.
He and his wife were stunned and commented on the fact that the snake is never unhooded when he or anyone else approaches the enclosure. Perhaps these creatures can sense something that only they can see???
It was an amazing experience and one that makes me regret I did not pursue a zoology/herpetology degree and explore working with venomous snakes.
I did not take photos during this excursion, even though invited to do so. I just felt that being 100% focused and attentive was the best method of appreciating these amazing creatures...
