"When we looked carefully at the data, we found that the cobras always spat shortly after I changed the direction my head was moving," Young said. He added that when he was moving his head, the snake was also rotating its head, winding itself up before the impending hurl. "This really boils down to geometry," Young explained. "Since I am moving linearly at a distance from the snake, the snake need only make slight angular movements to follow me. Once the cobra starts spitting, it accelerates the movements of its head, and this enables the snake to actually 'lead' its target and spray the venom to where it thinks the target's eyes are going to be." The researchers further discovered that spitting cobras don't release their venom as a stream, mist or cloud. The liquid poison instead sprays out in distinctive geometric patterns, typically consisting of paired ovals. The scientists suspect this increases the overall area covered by the spray, heightening the snake's chances of hitting the eyes. Aside from causing temporary or permanent blindness, the venom, if it penetrates the open eye, can enter the victim's body, sometimes leading to additional systemic problems. Aaron Krochmal, assistant professor of biology at Washington College, also studies snakes. Krochmal told Discovery News that the new study "is, quite simply, top notch," and that "there are some very interesting and important findings." Young and his team are now focusing on the snakes' vision in relation to its reaction time. Related Links: Animal Planet Video: Lion Versus Spitting Cobra |
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