King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) can be found in the rain forests of Southeast Asia, usually in clearings, bamboo stands or at the edge of the forest. These large snakes can grow to between 12 and 18 feet and weigh 12 to 20 pounds. With neurotoxic venom and fangs of up to half an inch long, these snakes are fearsome predators, but they are still considered prey by a few species.
Natural Predators
As large and highly venomous snakes, king cobras have very few natural predators. Mongooses are able to hunt and kill these snakes, and they sometimes get picked off by large birds of prey. Humans are also a threat to king cobras, as they may harvest some of their body parts for trade or simply kill them to avoid being attacked. When faced with potential predators, king cobras raise up the front third of their bodies, display their hoods and sway toward the threat.
