False water cobras are unusual pets for experienced snake enthusiasts, often before upgrading to a cobra. However, larger breeders more commonly keep them than a sole owner.
The false water cobra lacks an injecting apparatus with fangs. False water cobras resemble cobras by flattening neck ribs to form a hood when threatened but are not real cobras.
Provide a large, deep water bowl for submersion. Decorate its vivarium with artificial plants. Many people mistake the false water cobra for venomous snakes. Still, know its unique, dangerous characteristics.
False water cobras inhabit southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Their name stems from flattening neck ribs when threatened. They resemble cobras but are not real ones.
False Water Cobras make great pets! They are shy, not aggressive, quite passive, so a great home addition. Their venom is too mild to kill humans and relies more on bite force.
Owning a False Water Cobra can be rewarding due to lifespan, activity level, and ability to recognize owners. However, it is not easy.
Adult false water cobras are usually handled with a hook because bites, though rare, can occur. In captivity, their lifespan is 12-20 years, slightly longer in the wild. They are colubrid snakes.
The hood is 4-8 inches wide with yellow, brown and black color morphs. It resembles the highly venomous Water Cobra hood. Though rear-fanged, they rarely bite humans. Their venom is relatively harmless.
Treatment involves managing symptoms not neutralizing venom. Stay calm, seek medical attention to avoid spreading venom quicker. Cases require symptom management not antivenom treatment.
Can you handle a false water cobra?
False Water Cobras are popular pets due to their docile nature. However, they require careful handling and specialized care. Their frequent urination and defecation means their enclosure substrate needs good absorption. Cypress mulch and orchid bark suit false water cobras best. Aspen is less absorbent so isn’t the best option.
Instead, beginners should first consider corn snakes or ball pythons. False water cobras need enough room to fully stretch out and explore. The minimum enclosure size is 8’L x 3’W x 3’H. Cohabitation causes them stress and could lead to cannibalism so isn’t recommended. They can survive without UVB lighting but providing it is still recommended.
Most adult false water cobras are easy to handle but hooks should be used given the bite risk. In captivity, their lifespan is 12-20 years but longer in the wild. They are shy, avoid people and the only snake to build nests for young which they guard. False water cobras should be handled gently and many owners use hooks. These snakes are intelligent and enjoy exploring enriching environments.
Are false water cobras aggressive?
The false water cobra is generally calm. When threatened, it can flatten its neck, resembling a cobra. This semi-aquatic snake inhabits South America’s floodplains. It is commonly known as the false water cobra and Brazilian smooth snake. The false water cobra hoods as a true cobra does when threatened. It remains horizontal unlike a true cobra. This species is also called boipevaçu. It is sometimes referred to as the barking snake.
The false water cobra is not a real cobra. It is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. This snake stuns its prey with mild venom from a rear fang. It belongs to the Colubridae family. Growing over 2 meters long, this species has an elongated and slender body. It is found throughout the Amazon Rainforest.
Do false water cobras make good pets?
False water cobras make great pets despite their scary name. Their venom is only slightly toxic to most people. They are exceptional swimmers. Mimicry Ability. When threatened, false water cobras can flatten their necks, resembling the iconic hood of true cobras, potentially deterring predators.
The false water cobra is named because of its similar appearance to the water cobra. These snakes can hood up their necks like a cobra when feeling defensive or aggressive.
False Water Cobras are a misunderstood snake that make great pets! Falsies are inquisitive snakes always aware of their surroundings. When small, they bite more frequently. As they mature they become more confident with their keepers.
King cobras don’t make good pets. Their venom is extremely potent. They have special dietary needs. They grow to formidable lengths. They often are not legal pets.
If false water cobras get a good enough grip to chew a little, they can envenomate you. Their venom is relatively harmless to most. However, some people react badly to it and can become allergic after repeated bites. Falsies have complicated care requirements but make great pets!
False water cobras are named because of similarities to water cobras. Unhappy or threatened snakes will flatten their necks to look bigger. They will whip their tails if unhappy. Their mild venom makes them snakes for intermediate to experienced owners. As rear-fanged snakes, bites can be problematic if they don’t release.
False water cobras rely on physical damage from bites over venom. They require humidity boxes and large water dishes. Providing enrichment like allowing them to hunt live fish is recommended.