The image of the ground squirrel and mongoose fighting with the South African cobra in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier park caught the camera of visitors Lara De Matos, Latest Sightings reported on August 2. Matos and her husband caught this scene while having lunch at the Sossob campsite.

“As we got closer, we saw the ground squirrels trying to drive the cobra away from the underground burrows where they nurse their young. The squirrels took turns attacking the cobra from many directions. However, a mongoose appeared and took over the task. The ground squirrels rested and stood by watching the mongoose both defend and attack,” Mɑtos recounted.

The ground squirrels are trying to drive the cobra away from the underground burrows. Moments later, the mongoose retreated and the squirrels continued to plague the cobra, Mantos said. Finally, when the mongoose returned to attack, the cobra decided to leave. The ground squirrels and mongoose followed to make sure it left smoothly without causing further trouble.

The South African cobra is a medium-sized dangerous venomous snake. Their venom contains potent neurotoxins and can affect the respiratory system, nervous system, and heart. Their prey is very diverse, including snakes, rodents, lizards, birds and carrion.