World Snake Day is approaching in July, and it’s an excellent time to push for awareness about the slithering reptiles that inhabit many areas of the earth.
With thousands of snake species currently in the world, ranging from worm-like to significantly larger, it’s fair to wonder which types will cause the most harm.
These are 13 of the world’s deadliest snakes, the ones you would rather not encounter in the wild.
1. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis Polylepis)
Africa’s longest venomous snake, the Black Mamba, can grow up to 14 feet in length. Known for its lethal venom and incredible speed, this snake becomes highly aggressive when threatened. Its nervous disposition often leads to frequent encounters with danger.
Without antivenom, a Black Mamba attack can kill within 20 minutes. Still to this day, deaths continue to occur from interactions with this dangerous snake.
2. Common Lancehead (Bothrops Atrox)
Found in South America, the Common Lancehead is a pit viper. Highly venomous and often up to four feet long, this brown-striped reptile is one to watch out for.
The Common Lancehead can and will strike at high speed, their venom able to kill a human in extreme cases.
For survivors, a bite from a Common Lancehead will still cause a multitude of health concerns, like clotting, kidney failure, and severe bleeding.
3. Common Death Adder (Acanthophis Antarcticus)
Native to Australia, the Common Death Adder is not an aggressive snake, though it carries enough venom to be so. A broader snake than some, it features a triangular head and striped bands down its length.
With enough toxic venom to cause paralysis, a bite from a Common Death Adder could kill a human within six hours.
4. Boomslang (Dispholidus Typus)
The Boomslang, a slender snake found mainly in the trees of Africa’s dry regions, relies on camouflage and flexibility for its primary attack methods. The Boomslang generally hunts birds or lizards.
However, when confronted with a human, the Boomslang is known to respond aggressively. Its venom will cause hemorrhaging and, even in small amounts, can be fatal.
5. Indian Cobra (Naja Naja)
The first of the cobra family to reach this list, the Indian Cobra is one of the four snakes that causes the most damage in India. Associated with snake charmers, the Indian Cobra lives in many different environments and preys on rodents.
Close to five feet long, the Indian Cobra weaponizes a deadly bite. Without medical intervention, its bite will likely be lethal.
6. Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis Scutatus)
The Eastern Tiger Snake, the Australian version of a cobra, is found mostly in southern parts of Australia and surrounding islands. With a striped exterior and aggressive nature, this snake has an extensive diet.
Able to reach up to six or even seven feet, the Eastern Tiger Snake bite contains a strongly neurotoxic venom, which can cause coagulation. Medical attention is nearly always required.
7. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis Carinatus)
The Saw-Scaled Viper is a sidewinding snake reaching one to three feet long. It lives in parts of the Middle East and Asia and is notable for being irritable.
In its native regions, the Saw-Scaled Viper is thought to be responsible for more human deaths than all other local snakes.
8. Russell’s Viper (Daboia Russelii)
Located in India to Taiwan and Java, Russell’s Viper is a highly venomous member of the Viper family.
Up to five feet long and partial to open country, such as farmland, this snake is responsible for an 80 percent mortality rate in India alone.
9. Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja Textilis)
A widespread Australian snake, the Eastern Brown Snake, is responsible for most of the recorded snake bites in the country.
Of unsuspecting appearance, this brown and slender snake reaches up to six feet and has excellent eyesight.
Though the Eastern Brown Snake has smaller fangs, the potency of its venom is effective in attack. A bite can result in progressive paralysis, uncontrollable bleeding, and even fatalities.
10. Banded Krait (Bungarus Fasciatus)
The Banded Krait is the longest of the Krait snakes, and it has been known to grow up to 7 feet 5 inches. Found on the continent of Asia, this snake is typically yellow or cream with black stripes.
The venom of a Banded Krait can damage kidneys and cause respiratory failure, and though bites are not very common, this is definitely a reptile to avoid.
11. King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah)
The longest venomous snake, the King Cobra, can reach up to 13 feet and is the only snake in the world to build nests for its eggs.
Found in parts of Asia, the King Cobra may not have the most potent venom, but it can inject large amounts at once.
As such, a venomous bite has the potential to kill 20 people through means of respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
12. Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus)
The Coastal Taipan is an Australian snake that grows six to nine feet long. Slender and brown, it prefers tropical areas.
A nervous and alert snake, the Coastal Taipan is considered one of the country’s most dangerous due to its aggressive responses.
This snake can inject large amounts of venom in the first, second, and third bites, causing severe damage that always requires immediate medical attention.
13. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus Microlepidotus)
Unlike its cousin, the Coastal Taipan, the Inland Taipan is shy and prefers to flee over attack. If bitten, however, the venom of an Inland Taipan is the most potent in the world.
Found in Australia, the Inland Taipan is rare to encounter, but those bitten will require immediate medical care to avoid death.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.