Venomous Snakes – Nature’s Most Fascinating Killers
Not many creatures inspire fear the way venomous snakes do. Even if the odds of crossing paths with one are tinier than other real dangers, such as car accidents, heart disease, or the unfortunately common cancer, the fear is still real for so many of us. Maybe it’s their silent, slithering movements, their unpredictability, or the sheer potency of their venom that keeps them lodged in our collective nightmares.
The snakes we’re talking about tend to hang out in tropical areas where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They could be also living in research centers or even zoos near you. Whether feared or admired, snakes are some of the most intriguing predators on the planet.
Let’s rank the deadliest snakes that left their mark on humanity!
9. The African snake, known for its black mouth
Dendroaspis polylepis is one of Africa’s most feared snakes. The black-mouthed mamba lives in the rocky savanna and can often be encountered on the ground. This sleek, fast-moving creature seems to hang out near termite mounds, and its notorious reputation comes from its size, speed, and venom capable of killing most human victims if untreated.
Despite its fearsome image, these snakes don’t typically go out of their way to attack humans unless provoked. The number of fatalities is relatively small compared to the myths surrounding it. However, it’s wise to keep your distance if you ever cross paths with one.
8. The barba amarilla (“yellow chin”)
Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) is a venomous snake to watch out for in Latin America. Also known as the fer-de-lance, this one is infamous for its necrotizing venom causing intense pain and being fatal if not treated immediately.
The barba amarilla is common in Central America, earning its reputation for being dangerous and aggressive. Other species related to this one are the wutu (Bothrops alternatus) of Argentina and the jararaca, terciopelo (Bothrops asper) of Brazil. They share similar venomous traits.
Some species, in contrast, aren’t as lethal, but they still pose a danger, like the Okinawa habu (Trimeresurus flavoviridis), which can be encountered in the Ryukyu Islands. This one is also known for its aggressive behavior and is recognized for its bright yellow markings. They often venture into human settlements, becoming a notable threat in the region. Even if their venom is less deadly, they can cause significant harm, so it’s important for people to be cautious in these areas.
The barba amarilla seems to be less well-known in terms of global reputation, and its cousins are more notorious. Despite the common recognition, it carries potent venom capable of incredible harm.
7. The boomslang
Dispholidus typus, the boomslang is one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa, a master of stealth. It haunts by extending its front part motionless from a tree, blending seamlessly into surrounding branches. With its green and black coloration, he can easily stay hidden in the foliage, making it impossible to spot.
Being a rear-fanged snake, the boomslang’s method of delivering venom is unique. Instead of striking in the typical way, it chews on its victim to inject venom, causing severe internal bleeding. Their potent venom, capable of inducing hemorrhaging, can be fatal without timely medical intervention.
The boomslang is usually not aggressive toward humans, but its venomous bite makes it one of the most feared snakes in Africa.
6. The Australian Cobra
Notechis scutatus, the eastern tiger snake, is often regarded as the quintessential Australian cobra. This is one of the most notorious and widely distributed types of tiger snake. It lives in the southern parts of Australia and the surrounding islands, thriving in grasslands and coastal regions.
The eastern tiger snake adopts a striking posture when threatened, flattening his head and neck in a defensive display that’s similar to African and Asian cobras.
This behavior is a warning before it strikes with precision, injecting a venom that can cause paralysis or even death if not immediately treated. Despite their deadly nature, these snakes tend to avoid human interaction; however, caution is always advised when in their territory.
5. The snake that killed the most people
Echis carinatus, the saw-scaled viper holds the scary title of killing more people than any other species. Found across parts of the Middle East and Asia, its reputation as a killer comes packed with an aggressive nature and lightning-fast strikes.
Its venom is fatal in less than 10% of untreated cases, but what makes the saw scaled viper particularly dangerous is it’s quickness and tendency to bite repeatedly. With a venom able to cause blood clotting issues, internal bleeding, and shock, fatalities can still be prevented with timely treatment.
Still, the constant readiness to strike makes it one of the most feared snakes in the world.
4. The banded krait, the snake with a triangular-shaped cross-section
Bungarus fasciatus, known as the banded krait, is a highly venomous snake that’s constantly related to the cobra. It’s known for its striking appearance and triangular-shaped cross-section.
With its vibrant black and yellow bands, it really stands out, but its beauty only marks a deadly nature. Their venom is a powerful neurotoxin able to quickly paralyze the victim by affecting their nervous system, which can lead to respiratory failure in severe cases.
Even if they typically avoid human contact, their bite can be fatal without swift medical intervention. The banded krait’s speed and stealth make it one of the most dangerous species in Southeast Asia.
3. The longest venomous snake in the world
Ophiophagus hannah, or the King Cobra, holds the title of the longest venomous snake in the world. Stretching up to 18 feet in length, their size is not even what makes them terrifying. The king cobra venom is one of the most potent on the planet.
In a strike, it delivers a high dose of neurotoxin that can cause paralysis in seconds. The volume it injects is so massive that it can take down an elephant in a few hours. Untreated bites in humans can lead to death in 50-60% of cases.
They typically avoid human contact, but this majestic and deadly snake commands respect in the wild.
2. The largest Cobra relative
Oxyuranus scutellatus, commonly known as the coastal taipan, is the largest relative of the cobra in Australia, and their venom is nearly identical to that of its cousin.
They can be found in the coastal regions of eastern and northern Australia, and you should be cautious as they are fast, agile, and extremely venomous. Their bite delivers a neurotoxin able to paralyze and shut down vital organs, making it lethal in 80% of cases when untreated.
The coastal taipan tends to avoid human interaction, but they are formidable predators, so you need to be aware of their presence on their territory.
1. The snake with the world’s deadliest venom
Oxyuranus microlepidotus, the western taipan, holds the title for the world’s deadliest venom. It’s known as the fierce snake, with a bite delivering a cocktail of toxins, making it one of the most dangerous snakes on the planet. Their venom includes taipoxin, a complex blend of neurotoxins, myotoxins, and procoagulants.
This mix is able to paralyze muscles, block breathing, damage muscles, and cause severe hemorrhaging. It’s incredibly rare to encounter this snake, but with such a lethal venom potential, it remains unmatched in its fearsome reputation.
If you travel to any area famous for snakes, a Snake Bite Kit is a must-have. You can order them on Amazon and make sure you’re covered no matter what. However, try to stay away from their habitat.
Read next: 8 Ancient Creatures Still Roaming the Earth
