Venomīefore the advent of black mamba antivenin, a bite from this fearsome serpent was almost always fatal, usually within about 20 minutes. If an attacker persists, the mamba will strike not once, but repeatedly, injecting large amounts of potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike. However, when cornered, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes with a third of their body off the ground, spread their cobra-like neck-flap, open their black mouths, and hiss.
Behaviorīlack mambas are shy and will almost always seek to escape when confronted. They get their name not from their skin color, which tends to be olive to gray, but rather from the blue-black color of the inside of their mouth, which they display when threatened. They are also among the fastest snakes in the world, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. They are Africa’s longest venomous snake, reaching up to 14 feet in length, although 8.2 feet is more the average.
Range and characteristicsīlack mambas live in the savannas and rocky hills of southern and eastern Africa. For these reasons, the black mamba is widely considered the world’s deadliest snake. They have been blamed for numerous human deaths, and African myths exaggerate their capabilities to legendary proportions. Current Population Trend: Stable What is the black mamba?īlack mambas are fast, nervous, lethally venomous, and when threatened, highly aggressive.
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