Elapids (cobras, mambas)
Venomous snakes — permit compulsory
The elapids form the large family of venomous snakes with fixed fangs: cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, taipans and sea snakes. They inject their venom through a pair of fangs at the front of the jaw. Some species are among the most dangerous snakes in the world.
Keeping is very strictly regulated. In Switzerland, keeping a venomous snake requires a cantonal permit and strict security facilities. These are in no way "ordinary" pets: they are reserved for experienced, authorised keepers. This factsheet is purely informative.
A few emblematic members
The black mamba, the longest venomous snake in Africa (up to 3.5 m), is feared for the speed of its venom. Cobras spread their famous hood to look larger and to signal how dangerous they are; some, known as "spitting" cobras, project their venom at a distance to defend themselves. A reassuring fact in the field: most of these snakes flee and bite only if they are cornered. Marine elapids, for their part, are extremely venomous but very rarely responsible for human accidents.
Content from the Au Furet veterinary practice, rewritten for owners.
In Switzerland: cantonal permit Keeping venomous, dangerous or wild animals is subject to a cantonal permit issued by the veterinary office, with inspection of the facilities. Legal framework in detail →
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