The venom is a potent neurotoxic/cytotoxic mix with local tissue destruction around the bite area. The forest cobra, also known as the black cobra (Naja melanoleuca), is a highly venomous member of the elapid snake family, reaching up to 3.1 m in length, and … Although one of the largest of the African Naja Cobras, the venom is considered less toxic than the others. This species is considered to be among the most intelligent of the African elapids by herpetologists. The Forest Cobra is one of the least frequent causes of snake bite among the African Cobras, largely due its forest-dwelling habits and its shy, retiring demeanor. The mortality rate of an untreated bite is not exactly known but it is thought to be quite high.

However these cobras do NOT feature in bites to people even though they are very common in KZN. If the snake becomes cornered or is agitated, it can quickly attack the aggressor, and because a large amount of venom is injected, a rapidly fatal outcome is possible.

If the snake becomes cornered or is agitated, it can quickly attack the aggressor, and if a large amount of venom is injected, … The forest cobra does not spit or spray its venom. The forest cobra, also known as the black cobra (Naja melanoleuca), is a highly venomous member of the elapid snake family, reaching up to 3.1 meters in length, and being able to deliver venom yields above 1 gram per milking. Venom yield 100 – 300 mg, average 250 mg. Because of this cobra’s size it is a very serious bite that needs immediate medical attention and large amounts of antivenom to neutralize the venom.