TOP TEN VENEMOUS SNAKES AROUND THE WORLD
Our planet is habitat to both beautiful and deadly creatures. Ranging from mammals to amphibians to reptile the animal kingdom consists of some of the extremely deadly creatures. Belonging to the serpent suborder of the reptilia class, snakes are limbless vertebrae covered in scales. Apart from Antarctica snakes are found in all six continents. Like any other species there are a number of myths associated with snakes as well. Considered as one of the deadliest animal with over 3000 species, there are only 600 snake species which are actually venomous. To your surprise just a mere 200 species pose any danger to humans. Here is a list of ten most venomous snake species around the world.
- INLAND TAIPAN
Also known as the fierce snake, it is the most dangerous and venomous snake present on our planet. Very shy in nature inland taipan is endemic to the semi arid region of central Australia. The venom of this cold blooded reptile is adapted to kill warm blooded mammals. It’s venom is 50 times more toxic than that of the king cobra. It usually bites\strikes it’s pray multiple times at the same spot once it decides to attack .A single bite of this snake releases enough venom which is capable of killing about a 100 humans. Left untreated immediately it’s victim can lose its life within 30 to 45 mintues.
- EASTERN BROWN SNAKE-
Rated as the second most venomous snake, the eastern brown snake is native to eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea. These snakes are not at all found in the rainforests and alpine forest. This reptile is more active in mild winters and breeds in mild to late springs. They feed on vertebrates such as frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. This ferocious snake attacks its nemesis without any hesitation. It is almost impossible to escape this snake because it outruns its victim with it’s high speed. A bite from eastern brown snake can cause headache and clotting abnormalities within 30 minutes of its attack. It’s victim eventually dies of cardiovascular issues like cardiac arrest.
- KRAIT-
Snakes of the genus Bungarus, krait is a highly venomous species found in the Indian subcontinent. It a nocturnal species i.e. it prefers hunting from late evening to early morning. It usually prefers the food of other snakes and also has a cannibal diet as it eats snakes which are inferior to it. Initially a Krait bite causes locals signs such as irritation while within hours its victim suffers from severe abdominal cramps, blindness and in certain cases death occurs due to respiratory failure. One of the most lethal snakes its venom is neurotoxin.
- KING COBRA
The longest venomous snake of them all, the king cobra is usually 10 to 12 feet long but it can reach up to 18 feet. Native to the southern Asia, it lives in northern India, china and Indonesia. It is an active, alert and intelligent species as compared to other snakes. The king cobra usually prefers to avoid all human contacts and attacks only when provoked and in self defense. It can lift one third of its body and still move forward to attack its prey. The neurotoxins in its venom affects the central nervous system, paralyze the body and eventually leads to death.
- SAW SCALED VIPER SNAKE
Responsible for a large number of human deaths by a snake bite, vipers include some of the murderous snakes. The most lethal among them is the saw scaled viper. Feeding on small mammals, birds, lizards and eggs, this predator swallows its prey. Its bite produces a painful wound which is extremely fatal. The victim of viper experiences bleeding gums, sore muscles, pukes blood, fluctuation in heartbeat and death occurs in 30 minutes.
- TIGER SNAKE
With a tiger like banded body, the tiger snake is another fatal Australian snake .It is not a deadly snake for humans because on confrontation with humans it usually runs away. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Its lethal venom is capable of causing death in less than an hour. It’s poison has neurotoxins which effect the nervous system and myotoxins which causes the blood to coagulate, blocking the arteries.
- BLACK MAMBA
Responsible for the most number of deaths by a snake bite in Africa, black mamba is the fastest snake in the world. Slithering at a speed of 20 km per hour it’s average length is about 2-3 meters. Upon sensing danger it bites its prey 7 to 8 times. Merely, two drops of its venom would suffice to kill a human. Blackouts are a common result of its bite. Within 15 minutes to 3 hours a person bitten by mamba can die.
- DEATH ADDER
Another Australian snake this reptile is a cannibal, feeding on other snakes. It is easily identified because of it’s triangle shaped face. Delivering the fastest strike on its prey, It’s venom has a potential to cause paralysis, abdominal cramp, headache, drowsiness, and kill you in less than 6 hours.
- BARBA AMARILLIA
Popularly known as the common lancehead and fer-de-lance, barba amarillia is a member of the pit viper family. It is characterized by small sensory pit between each eye and each nostril. It is endemic to the northern part of south America. These snakes are found in land but can swim in water as well. Easily agitated, this reptile is feared because of its ability to camouflage themselves and prey extremely swiftly. It injects a venom of 150 mg with a single bite. The onset symptoms of its venom can be severe bleeding, necrosis, kidney failure, blisters and abnormal clotting.
- BOOMSLANG-
The literal meaning of its name is “tree snake” because it prefers to stay on tree branches. Boomslang is commonly seen in africa. It’s extremely flexible jaws can open up to 170 degree while biting. It’s hemotoxic venom destroys the red blood, disrupts blood clotting and causes organ damage. Boomslang’s slow acting venom takes about 24 to 48 hours to show serious symptom, which is sufficient enough to provide it’s victim with the right medical care.
