What is the typical outcome of a mongoose and cobra fight?

A typical outcome of a mongoose and cobra fight is a dead cobra. The Indian gray mongoose is highly adapted to preying upon cobras and has even been imported to the Caribbean as a biological control on venomous snakes.

Although there are several species of mongoose, the one that is famous for killing cobras is the Indian gray, Herpestes edwardsi. This species has extremely quick reflexes, has high endurance, and is able to dodge cobra strikes until the snake is too tired to defend itself. The mongoose then attempts a killing bite to the head of the snake with its powerful jaws.

Even if the snake is successful in striking a mongoose and injecting venom, the weasel-like creature possesses a natural defense. The mongoose has evolved altered acetylcholine receptors, which prevent cobra neurotoxin from having a strong effect on it.