IDENTIFYING DANGEROUS SNAKES IN AFRICA

Here are a few dangerous snakes in Africa and how to identify them.
PUFF ADDER
BLACK MAMBA
EGYPTIAN COBRA
CAPE COBRA
RINKHALS
BOOMSLANG
GABOON VIPER
GREEN MAMBA
PUFF ADDER (Bitis Arietans )

Location: Found all over Africa except maybe in the tropical regions. The most common snake in Africa. That is maybe also the reason why it is responsible for the most bites in Africa.
Identification: A think bodied snake with a thin tale and flat triangular shaped head if looked from the top. Pattern is mostly in a zigzag shape but can vary. Comes in a variety of colors depending on region. Can be from blackish grey to brown and yellowish is also found. Average length is about one meter. Seldom larger that 1.8 meters.
Characteristics: Likes to bask in the sun on footpaths during the day. Hunts mostly at night. Does have a reputation to stand and fight (bite) rather than flee.  Watch out, this fatty will rather bite that run away. A easily irritated snake with a short temper. When threatened Fatty will pull its neck into a S shape and make loud hissing noises. It normally strikes multiple times and with power, allowing it to injects its dangerous venom deep.

Black Mamba  (Dendroaspis polylepis)

Location: An extremely venomous snake found mostly in the warmer parts of Africa north and south of the equator. Found as far south as Kwazulu Natal in South Africa.
Identification: As the name would suggest this snake is not necessarily black. It is more lighter and may be an olive color. Rather the mouth of this snake is black on the inside. Here is a picture of the inside of the black mamba's mouth. INSIDE THE BLACK MAMBA MOUTH.JPG. Very lean bodied snake that can move extremely fast. Speeds in short bursts of 19 Km/hr has been recorded. Typical length of 2.5 meters. Can be up to 4.5 meters in length.
Characteristics: A very aggressive snake that is is not shy to attack when threatened. Does have a habit to leap up and bite so bites on the head is not impossible for this snake. Does have a reputation to chase. Hopefully it is not me it will chase. Extremely venomous snake and if you get bitten your chances to live without prompt medical attention is just about nil. This sucker is feared by people and for good reason. Do not mess with this snake, you might not live to regret it.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT SNAKE SPECIES IN DIFFERENT AREAS MAY VARY ESPECIALLY IN COLOR. AND PATTERN. TO CATER FOR ALL IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. THIS SITE CAN THIS NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE OR THE PRECISE ACCURACY THEREOF.