---
title: "How long does a king cobra last?"
description: "A king cobra lasts 17–22 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/king-cobra/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a king cobra last?

**Typical lifespan: 17–22 yr**

The longest venomous snake, delivering enough neurotoxin in one bite to kill an elephant.

## How that compares

*King cobra against things of a similar time.*

- King cobra: 17–22 yr
- Giant panda: 15–30 yr
- American bison: 15–25 yr
- Bald eagle: 15–38 yr
- Spotted hyena: 12–25 yr
- Cow: 15–25 yr
- Red kangaroo: 12–25 yr
- American black bear: 18–30 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.05 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 1.5 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a king cobra

- [How much does a king cobra weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/king-cobra/) — 4–12.7 kg
- [King cobra vs Domestic cat](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-king-cobra/) — Side by side
- [King cobra vs Black mamba](https://atoneplace.net/vs/black-mamba-vs-king-cobra/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a king cobra last?

A king cobra lasts 17–22 yr.

## Related pages

- [How much does a king cobra weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/king-cobra/)
- [How long does a tiger last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/tiger/)
- [How long does a saltwater crocodile last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/saltwater-crocodile/)
- [How long does a giant panda last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/giant-panda/)
- [How long does a Asian elephant last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/asian-elephant/)
- [How long does a American alligator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/american-alligator/)
- [How long does a Komodo dragon last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/komodo-dragon/)
- [How long does a green anaconda last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/green-anaconda/)
- [How long does a orangutan last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/orangutan/)
- [How long does a Nile crocodile last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/nile-crocodile/)
- [How long does a snow leopard last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/snow-leopard/)
- [King cobra vs Domestic cat](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-king-cobra/)
- [King cobra vs Black mamba](https://atoneplace.net/vs/black-mamba-vs-king-cobra/)

## Sources

- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/)