Snakes are fascinating creatures, but some of them can also be deadly. Venomous snakes bite about 5.4 million people every year, resulting in between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
But not all venomous snakes are equally dangerous, and some of them are rarely encountered by humans.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 most venomous snakes in the world, based on their toxicity and potential harm to humans. We will also give you some tips on how to identify and avoid them.
The Inland Taipan
The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the world's most venomous snake, as it has the highest venom yield and the most toxic venom of any snake.
It is native to Australia, where it lives in arid regions and feeds mainly on small mammals. The inland taipan is a shy and reclusive snake that usually avoids humans, but it will defend itself fiercely if provoked.
Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis, hemorrhage, and death within minutes. A single bite from this snake can kill up to 100 people.
The inland taipan is brownish in color, with darker bands along its body. It can grow up to eight feet (2.5 meters) in length.
To identify this snake, look for its distinctive head shape, which is narrow and elongated, with a rounded snout and large eyes. The inland taipan also has a black tongue and a black mouth lining.
The Black Mamba
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The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is the fastest and most aggressive snake in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour (20 kilometers per hour) and climb trees with ease.
It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, where it inhabits savannas, woodlands, and forests. The black mamba is responsible for up to 20,000 deaths per year, as it often attacks humans without warning or provocation.
Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death within hours.
The black mamba is not actually black, but brownish or grayish-green in color. It gets its name from the black color of its mouth lining, which it displays when threatened.
It can grow up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) in length. To identify this snake, look for its slender body, long tail, and coffin-shaped head. The black mamba also has a distinctive hiss that sounds like a jet engine.
Blue Malayan Coral Snake
The blue Malayan coral snake (Calliophis bivirgatus) is a beautiful but deadly snake that has blue-black stripes along its body and a red-orange head and tail.
It lives in Southeast Asia, where it hides in leaf litter and preys on other snakes. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause muscle spasms and paralysis.
Boomslang
The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is a shy and elusive snake that has green or brown scales and large eyes.
It lives in Africa, where it camouflages itself among trees and shrubs. Its venom contains hemotoxins that can cause bleeding and organ failure.
Eastern Tiger Snake
The eastern tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) is a highly variable snake that has yellow or brown bands along its body.
It lives in Australia, where it inhabits wetlands and grasslands. Its venom contains neurotoxins and hemotoxins that can cause paralysis and hemorrhage.
King Cobra
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the largest venomous snake in the world, growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length.
It lives in Asia, where it prefers forests and grasslands. It is the only snake that can build a nest for its eggs. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death.
Russell's Viper
The Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is a stocky and aggressive snake that has brown or gray scales with black spots or rings.
It lives in Asia, where it frequents agricultural fields and human settlements. Its venom contains hemotoxins and cytotoxins that can cause bleeding, tissue damage, and kidney failure.
The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is a small and irritable snake that has brown or gray scales with white or black markings.
It lives in Africa and Asia, where it rubs its scales together to produce a rasping sound when threatened. Its venom contains hemotoxins and cytotoxins that can cause bleeding, tissue damage, and shock.
Coastal Taipan
The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is a close relative of the inland taipan, but it has a lighter color and a more slender body. It lives in Australia and New Guinea, where it inhabits coastal regions and grasslands. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and death.
Banded Krait
The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is a nocturnal and shy snake that has black and yellow bands along its body. It lives in Asia, where it feeds on other snakes, lizards, and rodents. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death.
