There are many different kinds of cobras, but you’ll probably never meet one unless you’re at the zoo. On our adventure in India, we had to get an emerald from right under a king cobra’s watchful eyes. And we were only six inches tall. Seriously.

When cobras strike, they hiss, flatten the hoods on their necks, and raise their heads off the ground. Their hissing sounds like a low growl. But the scariest thing about them is their venom, which is often deadly.

1. It’s a good idea to take antivenin with you if you’re going to an area where there are cobras.

2. If you are unlucky enough to get a cobra bite, try to stay calm. (Yeah, right!) Fear makes your heart beat faster and makes the venom spread rapidly through your body.

3. You need to get help immediately! Head for the nearest hospital! Even if you have antivenin, you need to see a doctor.

Or maybe you should make friends with a mongoose!