Watch the sighting here:
Tourist Helen Young was on hand to record the incident and sent her account to Latest Sightings. She witnessed the incident on the S101, west of Shingwedzi Camp in the Kruger National Park.
Strange object
Helen said she was heading towards Letaba Camp when she saw an indistinguishable object in the road ahead. She said, “I approached slowly and was amazed to find a massive cobra (snouted cobra is the consensus) trying to take on a large monitor lizard.”
As Helen’s video begins, we see that the cobra has its fangs embedded between the shoulder blades of the large lizard.
Also known as banded Egyptian cobras, these large snakes have potent venom which is both neuro- and cytotoxic. This means that the venom attacks the nervous system, while also causing massive damage to body tissue.
Still mobile
Despite the snake still being attached — presumably injecting venom — the monitor lizard fights to keep moving.
However, the snake has no intention of letting go. Helen said, “The lizard showed immense strength as it dragged the snake up the road.”
Not wanting to disturb the natural process she was witnessing, Helen remained stationary, even as the pair nearly went under her vehicle.
Remarkable resilience
Showing incredible tenacity, the lizard stoically plodded on. Similarly, the snake hung on grimly.
These cobras feed on birds and their eggs, amphibians, small mammals, lizards and other snakes. Strangely, puff adders are a preferred prey.
Nowhere to turn
As the snake’s venom flooded into its system, the monitor was unable to mount any sort of defence. Typically, when threatened, they will lash out with their heavy tails.
Lacking any means of escape, it was entirely at the mercy of the snake.
Modified salivary glands produce snake venom, meaning they can theoretically produce an unlimited amount.
Considering that the snake is biting the lizard in the neck – close to the brain and major blood vessels – it is incredible the lizard is still alive.
Said Helen, “As time went on I could see that the lizard was flagging. It had clear bite wounds in its neck and it was covered in venom.”
Free at last?
Subsequently, in what must have required the summoning of all its remaining strength, the monitor shook itself free of the cobra.
According to Helen, the lizard managed to do this several times but each time, the snake caught up and bit it again.
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(Un)Fortunate intervention
Eventually, the lizard got a reprieve. “In the end, a car sped past which frightened off the snake (via the underside of my car).”
However, the damage was already done. Even after escaping the snake’s relentless attack, the lizard was too weak to move.
As Helen remarked, “The lizard remained motionless in the road except for a couple of flicks of its tongue.” Soon after, she left the sighting.
It is therefore uncertain whether the cobra returned or if some other scavenger scored a free meal.
Inconsiderate drivers
The passing vehicle likely influenced the outcome of this incident. As a courtesy to others, when driving in the park, always slow down when you see a stationary vehicle.
You never know when inconsiderate behaviour could ruin a sighting or worse.