Welcome to the world of amazing animals! Today, we’re going to learn about a very special snake called the King Cobra. It’s a seriously cool and venomous snake!
King Cobras live in parts of Asia, especially in the Western Ghats mountain range in India. People there think they are very special and important.
Did you know that King Cobras never stop growing? Because of this, they have to shed their skin about five times a year. It’s like getting a new outfit!
King Cobras are great swimmers. They can flatten their bodies to swim and are even faster than us in the water! They love taking a dip in streams.
King Cobras have a very powerful bite. They have enough venom in one bite to kill an elephant or 20 humans! But don’t worry, they usually stay away from people. They prefer to eat other snakes.
The King Cobra’s favorite meal is the rat snake. They use their venom to paralyze their prey and always eat them head first. After a big meal, they rest to digest their food.
King Cobras might have big fangs and no legs, but they are truly amazing animals. They are fascinating creatures with incredible skills!
Snake Skin Shedding Experiment: Let’s explore how King Cobras shed their skin! Find an old sock and pretend it’s a snake’s skin. Carefully cut it open along one side. Now, try to “shed” the sock off your hand, just like a snake would. Think about why shedding skin is important for a snake. Can you imagine wearing the same clothes forever?
Swimming Like a Cobra: King Cobras are excellent swimmers. Fill a shallow basin with water and use a small toy or a piece of paper to mimic a snake. Try to make it “swim” by gently moving it across the water. Notice how it moves smoothly. Discuss with a friend or family member why being a good swimmer might help a King Cobra survive in the wild.
Observation Walk: Go on a nature walk with an adult and look for animals or insects that might be hiding. Just like King Cobras, many creatures have special skills to help them survive. Can you find an animal that camouflages or moves quickly? Talk about how these skills are similar to or different from the King Cobra’s abilities.
