THE WORLD'S MOST VENOMOUS SNAKES

JARARACA

The Jararaca is the best-known venomous snake in the

wealthy and heavily populated areas of south eastern Brazil,

where it was responsible for fifty-two percent (3,446 cases)

of snakebites between 1902 and 1945 (with a 0.7 percent

fatality rate. That’s 25 deaths).

VIPER

Viper snakes are considered some of the most venomous

reptiles in the world and they eat small animals (rats, for

example), which they hunt by striking and envenoming with

their deadly, paralyzing venom.

WESTERN GREEN MAMBA

The western green mamba is a very alert, nervous, and extremely

agile snake that lives mainly in the coastal tropical rain forest,

thicket, and woodland regions of western Africa. Like all the

other mambas, the western green one is a highly venomous

elapid species and its bite can kill several humans in a

short period of time if it goes untreated.

EASTERN GREEN MAMBA

Like other species of mamba, the eastern green mamba is

highly venomous; a single bite can contain enough venom to

kill several people. The venom acts on the nerves, heart and

muscles, and spreads quickly through tissue. Bites rapidly

progress to life-threatening symptoms characteristic of

mamba bites, which include swelling of the bite area,

dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing,

irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and eventual

respiratory paralysis.

MANY-BANDED KRAIT

Based on several LD50 studies, the many-banded krait is among

the most venomous land snakes in the world. The species was

first described by the scientist Edward Blyth in 1861 and

since then it has been recognized as one of the most

dangerous snakes to human beings.

BOTHROPS ASPER

Sometimes referred to as the “ultimate pit viper,” these snakes

are found in a wide range of lowland habitats, often near human

habitations. Its proximity to human habitats is likely the reason

why it is considered more dangerous to humans, even though

its venom isn’t as lethal as that of other snakes. This species

is the main cause of snakebite incidents where it lives.

RUSSELL’S VIPER

The Russell’s viper is one of the most dangerous snakes in all

Asia, accounting for thousands of deaths each year. Once

bitten, people experience a wide variety of symptoms including

pain, swelling, vomiting, dizziness, and kidney failure.

FOREST COBRA

Not as notorious as its Indian “cousin,” this species is still very

alert, nervous, and is considered a very dangerous snake.

When it feels threatened, it will assume the typical cobra warning

posture by raising the front of its body off the ground,

spreading a narrow hood, and hissing loudly. Bites to humans

are less common than for other African cobras due to

various factors, though a bite from this species is a

life-threatening emergency.

COASTAL TAIPAN

The coastal taipan is often regarded as the most dangerous

snake in Australia. They are extremely nervous and alert, and

any movement near them is likely to trigger an attack. Like any

snake, the taipan prefers to avoid conflict and will quietly slip

away if given the chance; however, if surprised or cornered

it will ferociously defend itself and its venom will most

likely kill within a few minutes.