Watch a Brave and Lightning Quick Squirrel Dodge Lunges from a Giant Cobra

Considering the venomous snake in the video below makes a meal out of squirrels, you’d think an encounter between the two would mean certain death for the squirrel. But watch the video through the end — you’ll be surprised by the outcome!

Watch the Absurd Footage Below and Learn Why It Was So Courageous!

What Is a Venomous Yellow Cobra?

Venomous yellow cobras are often referred to as cape cobras. These snakes can grow up to seven feet long, but many reach about five feet in length. They move swiftly and are distinguished by their yellow colorations (though they may also be golden, reddish brown, black, or brown) and deadly venom. It’s a neurotoxin that threatens the life of any animal it bites. Typically, cape cobras eat lizards and mice, but they can also chow down on small mammals, like squirrels.

How Quickly Can Squirrels Run?

When running, South African squirrels can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. They’re small animals, only reaching about 1.4 pounds when full-grown. These squirrels are found in different habitats, including scrublands, woodlands, and savannas. They’re social creatures and typically live in colonies that may include up to 100 individual squirrels. In the video at the bottom of the page, however, the squirrel was caught in a vulnerable position, facing a cape cobra alone.  

Brave Squirrel Battles Venomous Cobra

When the video below starts, there’s a yellow cobra on the ground, its head extended upward, its mouth open. A squirrel with a bushy tail is in the background, a few feet from the unsuspecting cobra. The music playing points to mischief as the squirrel makes its way over to the cape cobra, attracted to its wriggly tail. The squirrel tries to reach for it, but the cobra responds by moving erratically and the squirrel takes a few steps back. But it’s not done antagonizing the cobra.

It keeps moving forward toward the cobra and finally, the cobra turns around to face the squirrel. It wastes no time and immediately strikes — and misses. This squirrel is lightning-fast! And unbelievably brave because its fascination with the cobra’s tail keeps it coming back. The cobra strikes a second time but again, the squirrel gets away. This happens a few more times, as the squirrel keeps trying to get a better look at the cobra’s tail. Unfazed, it dodges each of the cobra’s strikes with unbelievable speed — and shocking nonchalance.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Emmanuel Chansarel-Bourigon