Watch This Fearless Cobra Refuse To Back Down From A Komodo Dragon 100x Its Size

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: May 30, 2023
© Cormac Price/Shutterstock.com
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Key Points

  • Cobras can reach lengths of up to 19 feet but usually grow to 10 to 12 feet long. Komodo dragons can reach a maximum length of 10 feet and a maximum weight of roughly 300 pounds.
  • The Komodo dragon attempts to get behind the serpent, but the snake wasn’t having it.
  • Although the dragon is slow-moving, the snake gives it the opportunity to leave.
Front view of a monocled cobra with its hood open
Like with any venomous snake, a cobra bite can be fatal if it is not treated appropriately.

©iStock.com/Koushik Bhattacharjee

Cobras have a reputation for ambushing their victims. But, despite being dangerous hunters, they still have to contend with their own predators. Understanding the common predators a cobra has can help us better comprehend the function that this species plays in our ecology. 

Alligators, caimans, eagles, hawks, and humans are among the enemies of cobras. Larger animals generally prefer baby snakes since they are deprived of their mother’s care from the moment they are born.

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Like with any venomous snake, a cobra bite can be fatal if it is not treated appropriately. They also rely on striking potential victims after giving them a warning. Most threats can be frightened away by cobras by raising their bodies, spreading their hoods, and hissing loudly.

A huge king cobra‘s deep, booming hiss is enough to have one’s hair stand on end. Similar to how rattlesnakes rattle, this serves as a warning indication that may be heard from a safe distance.

Because of their poor vision, snakes must depend on their keen sense of smell and ability to blend in with their surroundings to stay safe. In a video on Youtube, we get to witness a massive Komodo dragon attempt to take down a defensive cobra. 

Almost every form of meat is consumed by Komodo dragons, which scavenge for dead animals or stalk prey ranging in size from tiny mice to massive water buffalo. Young consume mostly insects, tiny lizards, and birds, as well as snakes. 

Researchers discovered coagulation-related modifications in Komodo dragon genes that render these lizards resistant to the venom anti-coagulant and prevent them from bleeding out when struck by another member of their own species or another venomous animal.

Two Komodo Dragons (Varanus Komodoensis) do battle.

©Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

It Takes Two To Tango

At the beginning of the footage, we see the sheer difference in sizes between the cobra and the Komodo dragon. Cobras, which are considerably smaller than anacondas, can reach lengths of up to 19 feet but usually grow to 10 to 12 feet long. 

Komodo dragons can reach a maximum length of 10 feet and a maximum weight of roughly 300 pounds. Each time the dragon takes a step in this interaction, the cobra effortlessly turns its head all while in the striking position. 

There’s a moment when the Komodo dragon attempts to get behind the serpent, but alas, the snake wasn’t having it. Although the dragon is slow-moving, the snake gives it the opportunity to leave.

Cobras don’t necessarily want to strike. When they’re in this upright position, it’s a warning for either the animal or human to back off. A top comment on the video says what we’re all thinking. 

It reads, “I totally respect the cameraman for capturing a cobra with a Komodo dragon so closely.” It’s impressive that neither animal put its attention toward the person filming. It’s safe to say they were too focused on each other! 

Watch it below! 

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The Featured Image

Mozambique spitting cobra is so named because it projects venom from its fangs into its attacker's eyes, which can cause vision problems or blindness.
Mozambique spitting cobra is so named because it projects venom from its fangs into its attacker's eyes, which can cause vision problems or blindness.
© Cormac Price/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

When she's not busy playing with her several guinea pigs or her cat Finlay Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She's also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.

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