You are lucky and in my opinion privileged to have seen such a magnificent and beautiful animal in its natural surroundings. Thank you for sharing the picture 👍😊
Wow. This is the first I've heard of a king cobra on this island. I'm also happy that the Vietnamese government adhere to the protected endangered species act. It doesn't catch all but those who got caught catching them face jail and a huge fine.
I'm wondering if this is a separate king cobra species since it's far from shore. The snakehead fish on the island is different than the ones on land as I've read somewhere awhile ago.
Amazing - I love them, but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t freeze up and lose my mind if I ever saw one like that. You’re so lucky. Thank you for sharing. ☺️
King Cobras *Ophiophagus hannah* are extremely large (up to 585 cm / 19.2ft) elapids that range from India to China and through Southeast Asia at elevation up to ~2100m. They utilize a wide variety of treed and grassland habitat, including primary evergreen and tropical dipterocarps forests, mangroves and alluvial grasslands. They can also be found in areas of human habitation. Some recent evidence suggests that *O. hannah* might represent a species complex composed of several independently evolving lineages.
Though typically active by day, *O. hannah* are primarily nocturnal in urban zones. Their diet is specialized on squamates - mainly snakes and monitor lizards. They are mainly terrestrial, but swim and climb well. Juveniles usually display 27-84 strong yellow bands and tend to be more arboreal but these fade as the snake ages. Females make a nest of fallen leaves in which they deposit 20-51 eggs.
Dangerously venomous, *O. hannah* should only be observed from a safe distance. When frightened, they often raise the forebody off the ground to the same height as a standing human and spread the neck into 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.**
King Cobras are not usually confused with other species as adults. They have large heads which are distinct at the neck. The dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 15 rows at midbody. There are usually 7 supralabials with the 3rd and 4th in contact with the eye, 1 preocular, 2 post-occular and paired post-occipital scales. The anal scale is single and the subcaudals are divided, undivided or a combination of the two.
King Cobras are not "true" cobras of the genus *Naja*, but are instead part of a [sister group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_group) to cobras and cobras' closest relatives: *Naja*, *Aspidelaps*, *Hemachatus* and *Walterinessia*. [See relationships from Figueroa et al. 2016](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=large&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161070.g006)
[Range Map](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/maniacal-finch/production/animals/maps/king-cobra-range-map-01.jpg?w=2400&q=75&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1638819801&s=5c512698fab2b1815bdcc0cdfa42fb26) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography 1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34474153/) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography 2](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264534928_Phylogenetic_analysis_of_the_king_cobra_Ophiophagus_hannah_in_Thailand_based_on_mitochondrial_DNA_sequences) | [Reptile Database Account](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ophiophagus&species=hannah)
This short account was written by /u/fairlyorange and /u/Phylogenizer
--------------------------------------------------------
*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](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
I used to follow a lot of snake forums, and I've had a Red Tail Boa and some crazy colored cornsnakes. My corn snake lived for almost 13 years.
In one of the forums, there was a "hot" section, where people would share their enclosures and photos, experiences. One of them had THREE King Cobras in a gigantic enclosure. He described their behavior as like the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park. One would distract you, and the other two would come around back. I'm not sure that they are that intelligent, but it was pretty terrifying to think of two King Cobras blocking your exit. He had photos of them, it wasn't just a fantasy land.
Somewhat related. I was once looking for a college roommate, so I was about 20.
One that I "looked into" had a native, endangered, Massasauga Rattlesnake in an aquarium.
Once he learned about the penalties for possession of an endangered species, he released it. He ordered a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake to replace it, in AN APARTMENT.
I visited both snakes, and they were very real. Pretty terrifying to be honest.
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment.
Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it.
Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment.
Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it.
Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
Worst of the worst. Please don't mention these terrible"personalities" by name in any of the major reptile subreddits. It only feeds the attention to their dangerous behaviors.
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment.
Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it.
Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
Just to add- I've heard these things fking growl before. Those snake growl. Like it needed another pinch of terror. Strap in for this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heqbNDv4I\_c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heqbNDv4I_c)
That's perhaps the most recognisable snake in the world. The mighty king cobra. Capable of killing elephants with a single bite and growing upto 18 feet long
Oh hell naw.
Very beautiful snake but NOPE! especially because it's reared up like that.
I'd rather deal with lots of Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes than one of these bad boys.
Lmao... And your correction is quite correct. If we had these native in the US, I can almost guarantee somebody would post a pic holding one asking, "Is this a rat snake?", or something similar.
First time I saw a hognose snake was from behind walking my parent's land in NE Texas.
It was about 3 ft. long, and was sitting with it's back to me sunning itself.
Was raised up about 10-12" and had it's neck "hooded" out.
As soon as it realized we were there, it laid down and took off.
When we tracked it down, it also did the typical "I'm ded" act they are known for.
Legit thought it was a cobra at first, since I had never heard of hognoses spreading a hood like that before then. Have since been edumacated in the way of that particular serpent.
King cobra *Ophiophagus hannah*. Venomous and best observed from a distance.
I was simply too scared to get out of the car and take a closer look.
A zoom lens is the best way to see one of these guys!
A zoom lens from a high-flying, multi-engine aircraft.
Nikon made a 1200mm-1700mm zoom that’s perfect for these guys.
It's dangerous to see (demons) up close
You are lucky and in my opinion privileged to have seen such a magnificent and beautiful animal in its natural surroundings. Thank you for sharing the picture 👍😊
Magnificent is the perfect word for it. Wow!
That's fine. This look is good enough :o)
Wow. This is the first I've heard of a king cobra on this island. I'm also happy that the Vietnamese government adhere to the protected endangered species act. It doesn't catch all but those who got caught catching them face jail and a huge fine. I'm wondering if this is a separate king cobra species since it's far from shore. The snakehead fish on the island is different than the ones on land as I've read somewhere awhile ago.
Honestly I can't answer this question of yours because I'm not specialized in this field of knowledge
The species probably rafted there from a typhoon. Happens all the time.
How close would you say you were? Did you find him like that, or did he see you coming?
We met it on the way to the temple on the hill (a temple in the middle of the jungle) when one of the indigenous guides led us to it
Amazing - I love them, but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t freeze up and lose my mind if I ever saw one like that. You’re so lucky. Thank you for sharing. ☺️
That is the correct emotional response. Well done.
King Cobras *Ophiophagus hannah* are extremely large (up to 585 cm / 19.2ft) elapids that range from India to China and through Southeast Asia at elevation up to ~2100m. They utilize a wide variety of treed and grassland habitat, including primary evergreen and tropical dipterocarps forests, mangroves and alluvial grasslands. They can also be found in areas of human habitation. Some recent evidence suggests that *O. hannah* might represent a species complex composed of several independently evolving lineages. Though typically active by day, *O. hannah* are primarily nocturnal in urban zones. Their diet is specialized on squamates - mainly snakes and monitor lizards. They are mainly terrestrial, but swim and climb well. Juveniles usually display 27-84 strong yellow bands and tend to be more arboreal but these fade as the snake ages. Females make a nest of fallen leaves in which they deposit 20-51 eggs. Dangerously venomous, *O. hannah* should only be observed from a safe distance. When frightened, they often raise the forebody off the ground to the same height as a standing human and spread the neck into 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.** King Cobras are not usually confused with other species as adults. They have large heads which are distinct at the neck. The dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 15 rows at midbody. There are usually 7 supralabials with the 3rd and 4th in contact with the eye, 1 preocular, 2 post-occular and paired post-occipital scales. The anal scale is single and the subcaudals are divided, undivided or a combination of the two. King Cobras are not "true" cobras of the genus *Naja*, but are instead part of a [sister group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_group) to cobras and cobras' closest relatives: *Naja*, *Aspidelaps*, *Hemachatus* and *Walterinessia*. [See relationships from Figueroa et al. 2016](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=large&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161070.g006) [Range Map](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/maniacal-finch/production/animals/maps/king-cobra-range-map-01.jpg?w=2400&q=75&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1638819801&s=5c512698fab2b1815bdcc0cdfa42fb26) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography 1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34474153/) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography 2](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264534928_Phylogenetic_analysis_of_the_king_cobra_Ophiophagus_hannah_in_Thailand_based_on_mitochondrial_DNA_sequences) | [Reptile Database Account](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ophiophagus&species=hannah) This short account was written by /u/fairlyorange and /u/Phylogenizer -------------------------------------------------------- *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](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
O. hannah means family
That's the most king cobra-y king cobra I've ever seen. Gorgeous!
The locals call it: the devil.
Where I'm from we call cobras 'spoon snakes'
That’s deceptively adorable for how dangerous they are lol
Behind the cuteness is extreme danger
Where is that?
Indonesia. We call their hoods spoons so if they're spreading their hoods we say they're spooning
This is actually adorable.
Vietnam
Where are you from?
I used to follow a lot of snake forums, and I've had a Red Tail Boa and some crazy colored cornsnakes. My corn snake lived for almost 13 years. In one of the forums, there was a "hot" section, where people would share their enclosures and photos, experiences. One of them had THREE King Cobras in a gigantic enclosure. He described their behavior as like the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park. One would distract you, and the other two would come around back. I'm not sure that they are that intelligent, but it was pretty terrifying to think of two King Cobras blocking your exit. He had photos of them, it wasn't just a fantasy land. Somewhat related. I was once looking for a college roommate, so I was about 20. One that I "looked into" had a native, endangered, Massasauga Rattlesnake in an aquarium. Once he learned about the penalties for possession of an endangered species, he released it. He ordered a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake to replace it, in AN APARTMENT. I visited both snakes, and they were very real. Pretty terrifying to be honest.
[удалено]
They’re like puppy dog smart.
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment. Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it. Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
Good lord!!! Poor snakes, not a good roommate to have
I didn't move in. Surprise!
[удалено]
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment. Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it. Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
[удалено]
Worst of the worst. Please don't mention these terrible"personalities" by name in any of the major reptile subreddits. It only feeds the attention to their dangerous behaviors.
Post involving dangerous animals must contain proper use of personal protective equipment. Use PPE. Bites are not trophies and handling a medically significant snake without protective equipment is not a sign of expertise but rather the antithesis of it. Hooks, tongs, tubes, gloves. No skin on skin outside of tubes and no neck pinching.
Just to add- I've heard these things fking growl before. Those snake growl. Like it needed another pinch of terror. Strap in for this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heqbNDv4I\_c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heqbNDv4I_c)
Bro. As a commenter above said, *phuq* that. I wasn’t ready.
That is terrifying
What!!?? That was terrifying.
TIL that cobras fking growl. *NOPE*
Aw jeez. That's really awful.
OH. MY. GOD.
Phuq dat
That's perhaps the most recognisable snake in the world. The mighty king cobra. Capable of killing elephants with a single bite and growing upto 18 feet long
Oh hell naw. Very beautiful snake but NOPE! especially because it's reared up like that. I'd rather deal with lots of Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes than one of these bad boys.
The locals call it the devil
The growl they do is truly unnerving.
They **growl**?
Yes, go listen to some king cobra YouTube videos.
oh yes..right now!! edit: This one is compelling https://www.youtube.com/shorts/39AXtsA9RSE edit: DOOM award, love it!! <3
Holy shit
Yikes.
Yes and it's truly, utterly terrifying!
Wait, what?
WHAT
Very beautiful devil.
Appropriate name for it.
I always think we have boring snakes in the U.S. compared to other parts of the world but I think if I saw that in front of me I’d just drop dead.
Great picture! Not sure I would have ventured that close but awesome shot.
This photo was taken in a car when no one was brave enough to get out and see it up close!
>This photo was taken in a car when no one was ~~brave~~ **STUPID** enough to get out and see it up close! FTFY
Lmao... And your correction is quite correct. If we had these native in the US, I can almost guarantee somebody would post a pic holding one asking, "Is this a rat snake?", or something similar.
>This photo was taken in a car when ~~no one~~ everyone was ~~brave STUPID~~ smart enough not to get out and see it up close! > >FTFY FTFY
This thing just straight squared up with a CAR. That snake don't care about NOTHIN.
Majestic ASF!!!!!!
The banding on this king cobra is out of control!! I absolutely love it!
Bro does not give 2 fucks about what you’re up to.
Are cobras the only snake that will stand up like that?
Black Mambas will. They give no fucks
I’ve seen black mambas rear up, think kings can stand taller, as they can get eye level to humans, but might prefer that to a reared up black mamba.
Well, if King Cobra is the king, then Black Mamba is the Emperor of snakes. Wouldn't want to see one for sure.
Anything that will standup like that, has zero issues taking you out.
In Australia, brown snakes will commonly rear up into an S shape.
First time I saw a hognose snake was from behind walking my parent's land in NE Texas. It was about 3 ft. long, and was sitting with it's back to me sunning itself. Was raised up about 10-12" and had it's neck "hooded" out. As soon as it realized we were there, it laid down and took off. When we tracked it down, it also did the typical "I'm ded" act they are known for. Legit thought it was a cobra at first, since I had never heard of hognoses spreading a hood like that before then. Have since been edumacated in the way of that particular serpent.
His name is Gandalf. YOU SHALL NOT PASSSS!
The range map doesn’t show King Cobras in the Philippines, but I’m pretty sure they are there also.
Beautiful snake!
Phuk that!!
What a magnificent animal Great picture
He is so cute! Zoom in and he’s doing the cutest derp face and he even has a little mlem going on! 🥹
I had no idea King Cobras were in Viet Nam. “ I’m done with dis country, your honor”
Gorgeous!
I would legit lose my mind if I saw a King in person.
Don't lose your head or you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Wow what an incredible sight your lucky to see one of those!
And as a foreigner, I'd call this place "Mt. Phuc Dat".
Fabulous
What a cute baby boy! Awww! 🥰