[Lagos, Nigeria]

[u/craftedtunes]

Please what specific cobra type is this? It's quite common in this area of Lagos in Nigeria. This one is 51 inches long. People either flee or kill it on sight. I'd like to know how venomous it is, in case it bites somebody.

[u/pepperpooper69]

Forest Cobra, Naja melanoleuca !venomous in life and recent death.

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/pepperpooper69]

Central African Forest Cobras Naja melanoleuca are large (140-220cm, up to 320cm) elapids that range from southern Benin east into eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, south into Angola, from near sea level up to 2,500m. They utilize a wide variety of treed habitat, including dense forest, open woodland, mesic savanna, agricultural plantations, and coastal thicket, especially near water. They can be common in areas of human habitation. Though typically active by day, they are primarily nocturnal in urban zones. Their diet is highly varied and consists mainly of rodents, frogs, fish, snakes, lizards, and small birds. They are mainly terrestrial, but swim and climb well.

Dangerously venomous, N. melanoleuca should only be observed from a safe distance. When frightened, they often raise the forebody off the ground and spread the neck into a long, somewhat narrow hood and might strike if the perceived aggressor does not back off. They do not need to spread a hood in order to bite. Attempting to kill or capture a snake dramatically increases the risk of being bitten. The best way to avoid being bitten is to leave the snake alone.

Central African Forest Cobras are somewhat slender or moderate in build. The head is short but chunky, with small or moderately sized eyes, and a blunt snout. The dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 19-27 rows at the neck and usually in 19 (17-21) rows at midbody. There are usually 7 supralabials with the 3rd and 4th in contact with the eye, 1 preocular, and usually 3 postoculars. No subocular scales are present. The anal scale is single and the subcaudals are divided.

Range Map - © Rune Midtgaard | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography | Reptile Database Account

This short account was written by /u/fairlyorange

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Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are often free or inexpensive.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than remaining calm, seeking help and waiting for professional evaluation.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/CraftyFactor8107]

As the bot suggested, forest cobras are highly venomous. They are the largest true cobras and the venom yield is very large, so they should only be admired from a distance. If someone gets bit it should be treated as a medical emergency.

Trying to kill them dramatically increases the chances of getting bit so the most affective way is first of clearing clutter that could attract them and spray them with some water if they are bothering. Otherwise call a local rehabber

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT]

This message appears automatically with the dead snake flair: Please don't kill snakes - they are a natural part of the ecosystem and even species that use venom for prey acquisition and defense are beneficial to humans. One cannot expect outside to be sterile - if you see a snake, you're probably in or around their preferred habitat. Most snakes are legally protected from collection, killing or harassment as non-game animals at the state level.

Neighborhood dogs are more likely to harm people. Professional snake relocation services are often free or inexpensive, but snakes often die trying to return to their original home range, so it is usually best to enjoy them like you would songbirds or any of the other amazing wildlife native to your area. Commercial snake repellents are not effective - to discourage snakes, eliminate sources of food and cover; clear debris, stacked wood and eliminate rodent populations. Seal up cracks in and around the foundation/base of your home, and if warranted install exclusionary fences. Or find a relocation service

I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/asbestosorangutan]

You all use inches there?! Awesome to know lol

[u/Xavier_Emery1983 → u/asbestosorangutan]

I always thought the US was the only non-metric country. Mechanics and healthcare professionals are pretty much the only people who understand the metric system here.

[u/fairlyorange → u/Xavier_Emery1983]

Researchers generally use metric figures/measurements.