Honey Badgers Survive Snake Bites That Kill Humans — A Biologist Explains How

Honey badgers appear unusually resistant to cobra venom because mutations alter the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor targeted by snake α-neurotoxins.

These receptor changes reduce toxin binding, helping the animals survive bites that are often deadly to humans.

The study highlights a case of convergent evolution, with similar venom-resistance changes found in some other mammals such as mongooses, hedgehogs, and pigs.