The World’s Most Venomous Snakes

" \n Whether you are out and about in the garden, home, or hiking in nature, there are creatures lurking that you hope you will never have a close encounter with \u2013 snakes! Although there are around 3,000 species of snakes, most of which are actually harmless, a few hundred are lethal. \n \n\n \n While the sight of a snake will send most people running \u2013 harmless or not \u2013 there are quite a few that can deliver a potent and toxic dose of venom either through biting or spitting, and when they bite, it\u2019s like a hypodermic needle shooting through your body. \n \n\n \n Here are the world\u2019s deadliest and venomous snakes that you should avoid at all costs! \n \n\n \n Anaconda \n \n\n \n Britannica.com \n \n\n \n Anacondas are enormous semiaquatic snakes found in the swamps and rain forests of South America and are known for their swimming ability. Although they are nonvenomous, they are deadly due to their powerful constricting ability that overwhelms the circulatory system of their prey, which leads to death. Then the anaconda swallows it whole! They will hunt any animal regardless of size, and if the opportunity strikes, this slimy giant won\u2019t hesitate in adding humans to their menu. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Burrowing Asp \n \n\n \n Litcaf.com \n \n\n \n This venomous, secretive snake lives underground feeding on rodents and smaller reptiles. What makes this creature so deadly is its ability to bite and inject venom while their mouth is closed! It lowers the bottom jaw to expose its fangs through the side of its mouth. Even the most experienced snake handler would be no match for the Burrowing Asp. Unfortunately, it is often confused with harmless burrowing snakes, so if you can\u2019t properly identify a snake, then best to give it a wide berth. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Black Mamba \n \n\n \n Pinterest.com \n \n\n \n This is a lethally venomous and highly aggressive snake and definitely one to avoid. Being responsible for an extraordinary number of human deaths, this is considered to be the world\u2019s deadliest snake. The Black Mamba lives in the grassy savannahs and rocky hills of south and east Africa, and are known to be super-fast, slithering around at speeds of 12 miles per hour. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Black-Necked Spitting Cobra \n \n\n \n Inaturalist.com \n \n\n \n This is one smart snake and one you never want to encounter. Scientists put pictures of faces in front of these cobras and discovered they actually aim to spit their venom at the eyes with striking accuracy. The cocktail of toxins consists of nerve poisons and other components harmful to tissue. The eye's cornea reacts with severe stinging pain and it can lead to blindness. So, if you're ever unlucky enough to meet a Black-Necked Spitting Cobra, keep your eyes closed! \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Black Tiger Snakes \n \n\n \n Australian.museum \n \n\n \n This yellow and black cross-banded snake is unlikely to be confused with anything else. Found in Australia, this specimen has a fearsome reputation because of its aggressive nature and toxic venom. But that\u2019s not all. They can stay underwater for almost 10 minutes and they hunt during the day so, you will need to keep your wits about you when out in the Australian wild. They are also known cannibals and will consume their own. Because of its neurotoxic venom, just one bite and you will need medical attention within minutes. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Boomslang \n \n\n \n Jacarandafm.com \n \n\n \n The Boomslang translates to Tree Snake and it is very adept at camouflaging itself, making it very hard to detect. It is endemic sub-Saharan Africa and favors trees where it lies motionless, waiting for its prey. This is a deadly creature whose venom, even in the smallest amounts causes hemorrhaging and is fatal. It is a rear-fanged snake and can grow up to 2m long. While it is considered a rather shy species, it won\u2019t think twice about administering lethal venom dose if you get too close. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Cape Cobra \n \n\n \n Africansnakebiteinstitute.com \n \n\n \n Another poisonous snake from the African continent is the Cape Cobra. It can be found in many different habitats and the often venture into villages to escape intense heat or to look for rodents. They are not very welcomed guests and when they are approached, the snake will raise its forebody from the ground and spreads out its hood making it look mean and keen to fight. It will strike swiftly delivering a neurotoxic bite that is life-threatening. Cape Cobras do not spit, so if you happen to meet one, keep your eyes open and run. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Common Death Adder \n \n\n \n Qfc.com.au \n \n\n \n Found in Australia and Papua New Guinea, the Death Adder is a scary snake because unlike most snakes who actively hunt, this one will sit and wait for a chance to ambush its prey. They also don\u2019t retreat when threatened, which led to their nickname Deaf Adder. Death Adders are highly dangerous to humans and their pets. Dogs have often fallen victim to these snake bites resulting in death within 20 minutes. You will want to keep yourself and your pooch far away from this guy. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Common Brown Snake \n \n\n \n Britannica.com \n \n\n \n The name is far too tame for this snake. Found in Australia, this is a fast-moving and aggressive snake infamous for its bad temper. This species is responsible for the most snake-related human deaths in Australia and is the second most venomous land snake in the world. Their diet is primarily mice, which is why this snake loves hanging around rural homesteads and populated areas. One quick bite from the Common Brown and paralysis sets in before triggering cardiac arrest. You will need some serious doses of antivenom to reverse the effects. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Common Krait \n \n\n \n Flickr.com \n \n\n \n Also known as the Indian Cobra, a bite from the Common Krait can have severe consequences. It causes muscular paralysis and if not treated quick enough, the victim will stop breathing. In some cases, the antivenom did not prevent or reverse paralysis, resulting in permanent neurological damage. These critters are found throughout Asia and are capable of delivering one of the most lethal venoms compared to other Asian snakes. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Desert Horned Viper \n \n\n \n Reptilesmagazine.com \n \n\n \n The Desert Horned Viper are distinctive looking with little horns on their head. They are abundant in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East and even though it\u2019s nocturnal, it is frequently spotted. After being bitten by this snake, symptoms only develop after a few hours and it\u2019s not pleasant. The venom causes hemoglobinemia, which is severe anemia and can lead to kidney failure, breathing difficulty, swelling, and vomiting. There are a hundred good reasons to avoid this serpent at all costs. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake \n \n\n \n Flickr.com \n \n\n \n The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in the southeastern parts of the United States and thought to be one of the deadliest American snakes on the continent. Like most rattlesnakes, this species is not a great climber, but it is an excellent swimmer. Its rattle can be heard from quite a distance and when threatened, it will raise the anterior half of the body off the ground in an S-shaped coil, and will strike repeatedly. Its venom is extremely potent snake venom, and they deliver it in big quantities! \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Forest Cobra \n \n\n \n Flickr.com \n \n\n \n Native to Africa, this is largest of the cobra species and a very alert and dangerous specimen. It assumes the typical cobra warning stance and its bite is a life-threatening emergency. Death can occur between 30 minutes and 2 hours and symptoms start drowsiness, limb paralysis, hearing loss, abdominal pain, and other neurological and respiratory symptoms. On the upside, an encounter with the Forest Cobra is quite rare due its forest-dwelling habits but it ranks as the 4th most venomous species. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Gaboon Viper \n \n\n \n News24.com \n \n\n \n The Gaboon viper\u2019s venom is extremely toxic for mammals. If you get bitten you will need the proper antidote administered in a timely manner if you want to survive. These vipers live in the rainforests and wetlands in parts of Central, East and West Africa, and thrive on the forest floor where it waits for small mammals and birds. They are masters of camouflage due to the coloration and scaled pattern. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Green Mambas \n \n\n \n Flickr.com \n \n\n \n The green mamba is part of a dangerous venomous tropical and subtropical snake family. Commonly found in South Africa, these carnivorous snakes often find their way into gardens and houses with a penchant for nesting in thatched roofs. They have long front fangs that can rotate but they can also spit out their venom. When this one bites, you start experiencing dizziness, nausea, followed by difficulty breathing and swallowing, an irregular heartbeat, and convulsions progressing to respiratory paralysis. Bites that produce severe poisoning can be quickly fatal. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Inland Taipan \n \n\n \n Britannica.com \n \n\n \n The Inland Taipan is found only in Australia and it is a very agile snake that can bite 8 times in a single attack. After attacking its prey, it retreats and waits until its victim dies before returning to swallow it. Not only is this a very fierce snake but it also classified as the most venomous snake on the planet. Each bite delivers an amount of venom that can kill 100 adult men or 250, 000 mice. The only people known to get bitten by these critters are snake handlers because the Inland Taipan lives in very remote parts of Australia where no one goes unless you are actively looking for the snake. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Indian Cobra \n \n\n \n Inaturalist.org \n \n\n \n The Indian Cobra is a cobra species found in the Asian regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and one of the most common to inflict snakebites on humans in India. It is also the snake revered by snake charmers. While cobras typically expand their hoods as a defense mechanism, the Indian cobra is identified by its large and impressive hood with a very distinct marking that resemble \u2018fake eyes\u2019. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin and cardiotoxin, which causes paralysis, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Jararaca \n \n\n \n Britannica.com \n \n\n \n The Jararaca is mainly found in Brazil, where it is abundant in grassy regions. Its bite has been responsible for many deaths. Being part of the pit viper family, it delivers a nasty bite that can lead to swelling and blistering of the skin, spontaneous systemic bleeding, as well as shock, kidney failure, and bleeding in the brain. That said, the Jararaca does actually have benefits! Its venom has been used to formulate a drug that\u2019s helped to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Definitely one snake to leave to the scientists. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n King Cobra \n \n\n \n Thoughtco.com \n \n\n \n Another lethal snake with one of the most venomous snakes on the planet. It can also nearly stand up and look an adult man in the eye, while moving forward with its loud hissing. They can reach 18 feet in length, which makes them the longest venomous snake on the planet. Their venom can kill 20 people or one elephant! Symptoms cause respiratory and cardiac failure. However, they tend to be shy and don\u2019t go looking for trouble. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n King Brown Snake or Mulga Snake \n \n\n \n Theguardian.com \n \n\n \n Mulga\u2019s have the biggest distribution in and around Australia. You will find them pretty anywhere except around the south and east coastlines. They can live in a variety of environments such as shrublands, woodlands and sandy deserts. To help them adapt to different habitats, they can change color from red, copper, orange and black, through to light and dark brown shades. They are highly venomous snake, and they produce massive quantities of poison. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Malayan Snake \n \n\n \n Sciencesource.com \n \n\n \n Found in the south eastern regions of Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, it is fittingly named the Malayan Snake. It primarily lives around coastal areas, bamboo forests, and orchard plantations. It has quite a reputation for being bad-tempered and quick to strike. It is also rather lazy and usually stays in the same spot for hours on end, even if it had an incident with a human. The causes severe pain and local swelling and destroys skin tissue leaving victims with permanently dysfunctional or amputated limbs. Quick administration of venom is the only way to treat the bit. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Puff Adder \n \n\n \n Pinterest.com \n \n\n \n Found prolifically in Southern Africa, the Puff Adder is a dangerous snake with a short and fat body. While most snakes tend to slither away from approaching humans, the Puff Adder is more sluggish and prefers to keep sunbathing regardless of who or what is walking nearby. This makes it quite easy to step on one or come in close contact at which point it will hiss loudly and strike. It has a powerful, slow-acting venom, which can take up to 24 hours to take effect. The potent venom causes excruciating pain and can lead to a loss of limbs. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Philippine Cobra \n \n\n \n Pinterest.com \n \n\n \n Native to the northern parts of the Philippines, this cobra is a stocky fellow that spits a highly toxic venom. The onset of symptoms are rapid with respiratory failure occurring within 30 minutes accompanied by cardiotoxicity and tissue damage. You will the Philippine Cobra in the plains and forests, jungles, as well as agricultural fields, and human settlements. You\u2019re not safe in the water either as this species likes to hang around rivers and ponds, and any wetted area. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Saw-scaled Vipers \n \n\n \n Reptilegardens.com \n \n\n \n These vipers are quick moving sideways at quite a speed. They hunt mammals, birds, other reptiles, and also frogs. You will find them in northern Africa, Middle East and southern Asia, although it\u2019s highly recommended to not go looking for them. They are relatively small, but they are irritable, aggressive, and are loaded with a lethal venom. Mortality rates are unfortunately very high, and it is believed they are responsible for the most human deaths than any other snake in these regions. \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n Sharp-nosed Pit Viper \n \n\n \n Flickr.com \n \n\n \n Found in southeast Asia, the Sharp-Nosed Viper also goes by the nickname \u2018Hundred Pacer\u2019 where locals claim that after one bite, you\u2019ll drop down dead after walking 100 steps. In other regions, they call them the \u2018Fifty Pacer\u2019. Imagine if they were nicknamed the \u2018One Pacer\u2019. A bit from this snake often leads to victims losing their limbs because the symptoms are so quick and any hesitation to seek medical attention is the difference between life and death. The antivenom is produced in Taiwan but fatalities are still quite common. \n \n\n \n \n "

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