The Deadliest - Dangerous Snakes of Africa

2). Black Mamba - (Dendroaspis polylepis)

The Black Mamba is found throughout most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and is incredibly fast, traveling at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. It's also large; the second largest snake in Africa, averaging 8.2' (2.5m) and getting as long as 14' (4.5m). The Black Mamba is aggressive and territorial, characteristics not usually attributed to snakes. This snake is usually found in an olive green color - it's the inside of its mouth that is black!

African villagers and experts alike fear the intense pain and suffering the mamba inflicts on its victims. Its poison is neuro-toxic. Unlike most poisonous snakes where the venom travels slowly through the blood stream, allowing a victim time to get treatment and to isolate the poison using a tourniquet, the black mamba's poison goes straight for the nerves, attacking the central nervous system and shutting down major organs. Twenty minutes after being bitten you may lose the ability to talk. After one hour you're probably comatose, and by six hours, without an antidote, you are dead.

When feeling very threatened, the Black Mamba usually delivers multiple strikes, injecting its potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike, often attacking the body or head, unlike most other snakes. It can strike up to 12 times in a row. A single bite from a Black Mamba can inject enough venom to kill up to 10-25 grown men, easily killing one unless the appropriate anti-venom is administered in time. When cornered, it will readily attack. When in the striking position, the mamba flattens its neck, hisses very loudly and displays its inky black mouth and fangs. It can rear up around one-third of its body from the ground, which allows it to reach heights of approximately four feet.

In the past, the mortality rate for a Black Mamba bite was nearly 100%, the highest among venomous snakes. Now, because of the development of effective antivenin in Africa, the rate has been decreased to 75% (25% of bite victims now receive antivenin in time to be effective). Depending on the nature of a bite, death can result in as little as 30 minutes or it may take up to 120-180 minutes.



Black Mamba (in captivity)

3). Gaboon Viper - (Bitis gabonica )

The Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake. The adult snake averages 4 to 5 feet (122-152cm) in length, with a maximum length of 6.75 feet (205cm). They are commonly found in agricultural areas, near forests and on roads at night. Bites from this snake tend to be relatively rare due to their docile nature and preference for rain forest. However, Gaboon Vipers are very difficult to see, sluggish and unwilling to move when approached, and will stand its ground. It bites when molested or stepped on.

When a bite occurs, it is considered a serious medical emergency. Even an average bite from an average sized specimen is potentially fatal. Antivenin should be administered as soon as possible, to save the victim's life and limb. Although not extremely toxic, this snakes venom glands are enormous and it produces the largest amount of venom of any snake. Anywhere from 200 -1000mg can be delivered in a single bite, based on the size of the snake. Its fangs are enormous, often measuring 5 centimeters long. Its venom is neurotoxic and hemotoxic.

In humans, a bite causes rapid and conspicuous swelling, intense pain, severe shock and local blistering. Other symptoms may include uncoordinated movements, defecation, urination, swelling of the tongue and eyelids, convulsions and unconsciousness. Blistering, bruising and necrosis may be extensive. There may be sudden hypotension, heart damage and dyspnoea. The blood may become incoagulable with internal bleeding that may lead to haematuria and haematemesis. Local tissue damage may require surgical excision and possibly amputation. Healing may be slow and fatalities are not uncommon.



Gaboon Viper

4). Egyptian Cobra - (Naja haje)

The Egyptian Cobra is the most common cobra in Africa and is responsible for many deaths there. It typically makes its home in dry to moist savanna and semi-desert regions, with at least some water and vegetation (never in desert regions). The Egyptian Cobra may also be found in oases, agricultural grounds, hills with sparse vegetation, and grasslands. They frequent human habitat areas and often enter villages and houses, searching for prey such as rats and chickens, which feed on human garbage.

The average adult cobra is 5' to 6.75' (1.5-2m) in length, and some have grown to 8'. This snake preys on small mammals, lizards, toads, and other snakes, including other venomous snakes, such as the puff adder.

The average venom quantity typically reaches 175 to 200 mg in a single bite. It has the third most toxic venom of any cobra, after the Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis) and the Cape Cobra. However, the Egyptian cobra is considered to be much deadlier than the Northern Philippine Cobra or Cape cobra because it is much larger, more aggressive, and can inject more venom in a single bite. It has neurotoxic venom which affects the nervous system, stopping the nerve signals from being transmitted to the muscles and at later stages stopping those transmitted to the heart and lungs as well, causing death due to complete respiratory failure.



Egyptian Cobra in captivity

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