The Forest Cobra is particularly aggressive in defending its territory during the breeding season. Also called the black-and-white cobra, it is capable of injecting a highly concentrated venom with fatal consequences for humans.

It is the largest of the African cobras, and in a threatening posture, it can erect itself up to two-thirds of its total body length, which in an average specimen is equivalent to more than 150 cm.

It enjoys some exclusive abilities, such as being an accomplished swimmer and expert fisher, being relatively common in African lakes and rivers. Often, natives of the area confuse it with the Black Mamba due to its rapidity.