WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
In a small staged encounter, none of 21 Mozambique spitting cobras struck the model arm, while some tested puff adders, black mambas and snouted cobras did. Repeated trials tended to increase defensive responses; escape was common when permitted.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Wildlife-conflict education should emphasize avoidance and trained response rather than portraying snakes as invariably aggressive. Context matters for risk.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Small groups, captive or structured trials, and an artificial arm limit conclusions about actual bite rates in the wild.
SOURCE
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology · four-species snake behavior trial
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