# How Long Do King Cobras Live?

> King Cobra lifespan is typically ~20 years. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Vulnerable).

- **Species:** King Cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*)
- **Conservation status:** Vulnerable
- **Diet:** Carnivore (mainly other snakes)
- **Habitat:** Forests, mangroves, grasslands of Asia
- **Lifespan:** ~20 years
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/king-cobra/how-long-do-king-cobra-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/king-cobra/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world, reaching up to 5.5 m (18 ft). Native to forests across South and Southeast Asia, it feeds almost entirely on other snakes. Its venom is potent enough to kill an elephant in large doses, yet it is shy and avoids people. King cobras are also the only snakes that build a nest for their eggs. They live around 20 years.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Behavior

The king cobra is intelligent and alert for a snake. When threatened it can raise up to a third of its body off the ground, spread its narrow hood, and emit a low growl-like hiss. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is generally shy and prefers to flee rather than confront people.

## Help protect the King Cobra

The king cobra is listed as Vulnerable, with habitat loss the leading threat to its future.

[Donate to protect habitat](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/king-cobra/how-long-do-king-cobra-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.