True cobras in the Naja family include at least 38 species, but do not include king cobras. These cobras live in Africa and Asia, and all can raise up to reveal a flattened head when threatened. This posture makes them seem larger than they are and is a defense against threats. The name Naja comes from the Sanskrit word naja, meaning “snake” or “hairless, naked”.

The king cobra is not related to the Naja family but also lives in Asia, as well as India, where it is the national reptile. King cobras are very large (up to 16 feet long). While they’re generally shy and avoid humans, they will aggressively defend their eggs.