Egyptian Cobra

About the Egyptian Cobra

One of the largest cobras in Africa, with a broad hood and potent neurotoxic venom. It was the symbol of royalty in ancient Egypt, shown as the uraeus rising from the crowns of pharaohs. Many historians believe the asp associated with the death of Cleopatra was an Egyptian cobra. It often hunts at dusk near villages, attracted by rodents and poultry. Bites can cause fatal paralysis.