The Samar cobra is an extremely venomous spitting cobra species that is native to the Mindanao and Visayas island groups of the Philippines. The habitat of this species ranges from tropical plains to mountainous jungles. The snake feeds mainly on rodents and less frequently on reptiles and frogs.

The Samar cobra produces a deadly neurotoxic venom that also has cytotoxic properties. Venomous bites by this cobra trigger extensive tissue necrosis and death by respiratory failure. The cobra is known for its nervous behavior and sprays venom at the target when threatened. If venom enters the eye of the cobra’s victim, it could result in permanent blindness if not flushed out in time.