Why does the Indian Cobra spread its hood during a defensive display?
Answer
To appear larger and more intimidating to deter the threat
Spreading the hood serves to make the snake look bigger and more intimidating, which helps buy time for assessment or escape.
#Videos
Handling a Dangerous Indian Cobra with Chandler! - YouTube
The Spectacled Cobra | Snake Bite | National Geographic WILD UK
Related Questions
What type of toxins dominate the venom complex of the Indian Cobra?What usually prompts the defensive reaction in the Indian Cobra, rather than inherent aggression?What is the primary physical consequence of a potent bite from an Indian Cobra if left untreated?What is the initial physical display a cobra exhibits when signaling danger?Why does the Indian Cobra spread its hood during a defensive display?What is a common food source for the Indian Cobra near human settlements?What is the recommended course of action if one encounters a cobra blocking an escape route?Which characteristic is explicitly used to distinguish the Indian Cobra from the King Cobra?What famous visual marking is often visible on the spread hood of the *Naja naja*?When does striking behavior typically occur for the Indian Cobra?What is the typical timeline for potential fatality from an effective bite without antivenom?