A cobra put up a stout defence after being ambushed by a snake eagle. With its hood raised, the snake managed to keep the raptor guessing, leading to a surprising outcome.
This video was sent to Latest Sightings by Catherine. She and her companion witnessed the incident on the H7 near Satara in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Got Something
In the opening scene of Catherine’s video, we see a large raptor, identified as a brown snake eagle. There are 13 species of snake eagles worldwide, all of which feed mainly on snakes.
Looking down, it draws our attention to a snake on the ground at its feet. Catherine’s companion noted that the eagle had released the snake’s head and was now gripping it by the tail.
Snake Identified
As the eagle adjusted its grip, the snake moved, revealing itself to be a cobra.
Its flared hood is an indication that it belonged to the venomous family, later identified as a snouted cobra (Naja annulifera).
