The Egyptian Asp Snake is a highly poisonous member of the Cobra family. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Egyptian Asp Snake - Facts

1. Description:

   The Egyptian Asp is a member of the Cobra family. It grows up to eight feet long, and its venom is extremely poisonous.

2. Varieties:

   There are several types of asps, or cobras, including the King Cobra, the Spitting Cobra, the European Asp Viper, and the Horned Sand Viper.

3. History:

   The Egyptian Asp is found in much of northern Africa and the Middle East. It is commonly thought that Cleopatra committed suicide by holding an asp against her body. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the asp.

4. Physical Traits:

   The asp has a small, flat head. When it is threatened, it raises the front part of its body and spreads its neck into a hood to make it appear more threatening to predators.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   The Egyptian asp has smooth, large scales in varying colors from gray to brown to black.

6. Habitat:

   Shrubs and hillsides are the usual habitat for Egyptian Asps.

Egyptian Asp Snake - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   There are no commonly known benefits for owning an Egyptian Asp unless you are a breeder, who can command a fairly large amount of money for this snake.

2. Liabilities:

   Egyptian asps are extremely poisonous, and the risk of death is very high if bitten.

3. Health Issues:

   The venom of an asp contains a powerful neurotoxin, and, if a bite is untreated, the victim will die from paralysis of the respiratory system.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Egyptian asps eat almost anything that moves. Birds, mammals, fish, other snakes, and toads are some types of food that they like to ingest.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Under NO circumstances should children or pets be allowed to be around a poisonous snake without strict supervision. Even with adult supervision, a child should NEVER be allowed to handle any poisonous snakes. Pets should be kept away from asp snakes, as they may become the next meal for the snake.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Only an experienced snake handler should handle an Egyptian asp or any other poisonous snake.

Egyptian Asp Snake - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   A healthy Egyptian asp will be active, especially at feeding time. It will almost invariably rise up and defensively spread its hood if approached.

2. Supplies:

   A large, locked enclosure is needed for this snake, with proper lighting for controlling heat.

3. Expense:

   European asps vary in price and are not widely sold as pets.