The Most Venomous Snake in the World and 19 Deadly Others

There are more than 3,000 species of snakes on the planet. If you're trying to avoid the most venomous snake, you'll be pretty safe in the colder climates of Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland and Greenland (and, somewhat surprisingly, New Zealand).

Only about 15 percent (450) of snakes in the world are venomous snakes, and only about a third of those (150) can kill or seriously injure a human with a single bite.

While our list happens to comprise venomous snakes, let's keep in mind "deadly" doesn't have to mean they use potent venom to kill. Several nonvenomous snakes are deadly, too, including the garter snake and the python, which kill by swallowing their prey alive or constricting them to death.

There are also nonlethal snake venoms, as well as venomous snakes that aren't quite as deadly as the ones on this list (the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, for example). So, consider this list of 20 snake species to be a modest introduction to the topic, not a comprehensive compendium.

1. Inland Taipan

Quite possibly the deadliest snake in the world due to its extremely potent venom, Australia's inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is scientifically touted as the world's most venomous snake.

The inland taipan lives tucked away in the clay crevices of Queensland and South Australia's floodplains, where it rarely comes in contact with humans. But if you do stumble upon one, look out for a tight, S-shape coil just before it darts out to bite.

A unique component among snakes, the venom contains the enzyme hyaluronidase, which (thankfully?) spreads the toxins throughout the victim's body, leading to a quick death.

2. Saw Scaled Viper

The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is the smallest member of the "big four" in India, which includes the Russell's viper, the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and the Indian cobra (Naja naja).

The saw-scaled viper is thought to be responsible for the most snake bite deaths in India. A single bite can cause internal bleeding and ultimately acute kidney failure. This snake's warning is described as a "sizzle" rather than a "hiss," which it creates by "sawing" (rubbing) its serrated scales together.

3. Coastal Taipan

Cousin to the inland taipan, the coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) snake is considered even more dangerous because its habitat is more accessible to unsuspecting human visitors.

Coastal taipan snakes live in abandoned animal burrows, hollow logs and in piles of vegetation along the east coast from northeastern New South Wales through Queensland and across the north to north-west Australia. The other subspecies, Oxyuranus scutellatus canni, lives in southern New Guinea.

4. Black Mamba

Africa's black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) gets its name from the black interior of its mouth. Watch out for this dangerous snake on your next safari to the savannas, hill country and forests in southern and eastern Sub-Saharan Africa.

Black mambas are known for being dangerously quick. Don't expect to outrun one, as the snake is one of the fastest on land, and can slither at speeds up to 12 miles per hour (19 km/h).

But it's the black mamba's venom you need to be most concerned about. Before striking, it'll give you a warning hiss. If ignored, it will then strike repeatedly in rapid succession. Just two drops of the black mamba's venom can cause paralysis and cardiac arrest.

5. Banded Krait

Another of India's "big four" dangerous snakes is the banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus). It is one of the largest kraits and can grow up to 6.9 feet (2.1 meters) long.

The banded krait is generally shy and mainly nocturnal, most likely to hunt at night. If bothered, it usually won't bite, though at night it is much more dangerous.

As a relative of the cobra, the krait is extremely venomous, and a single bite can paralyze muscles, preventing the diaphragm of its prey from moving, resulting in suffocation.

6. King Cobra

The aptly named king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest venomous snake, measuring up to 18 feet (5.4 meters). King cobras have eagle eyes that can spot prey from nearly 330 feet (100 meters) away. They're considered aggressive, partly because of their long fangs and striking appearance.

You're probably familiar with the "hood" around the head these snakes create when they face predators. It's a mechanism they use to make themselves appear larger, though they don't really need it. That's because the king cobra's venom contains high amounts of cytotoxins and neurotoxins.

One bite can kill a human in 15 minutes and an adult elephant in just a few hours.

7. Boomslang Snake

This deadly snake with a funny name is no joke. The boomslang snake (Dispholidus typus) is another African resident that lives primarily in Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Boomslang snakes are rarely aggressive, but will inflate their necks to appear bigger and more intimidating to predators. Their stealth ability to camouflage allows them to easily lie in wait for passing prey. Then they strike and the highly toxic venom causes their victims to bleed out.

8. Russell's Viper

Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), another of India's "big four," is considered one of the deadliest true vipers. They're also found in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where they're cause for high mortality among paddy farmers where they hide in the paddy fields.

The snake's venom can lead to acute kidney failure, severe bleeding and multi-organ damage.

9. Eastern Brown Snake

The extremely venomous eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is native to eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea where it's usually found in open spaces like woodlands, grasslands, farmland and even in the outskirts of urban areas.

Its venom contains powerful presynaptic neurotoxins, procoagulants, cardiotoxins and nephrotoxins. While a single bite from an eastern brown snake is deceptively painless, the snake's venom can cause progressive paralysis and uncontrollable bleeding, including bleeding into the brain.

Even though it's not the most venomous snake, it has the distinction of causing more deaths than any other snake species in Australia.

10. Eastern Tiger Snake

Native to the mountains and grasslands of southeast Australia, the eastern tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) is named for the yellow and black bands on its body, though not all populations sport that pattern. Its potent venom can cause kill a human if a snake bite is left untreated.

11. Death Adder

The death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is one of Australia's most venomous snakes, renowned for its lightning-fast strike. Unlike other snakes that flee from threats, the death adder lies in wait, camouflaged among leaf litter, before ambushing its prey.

This venomous snake's bite can cause paralysis, leading to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. Its potent venom is a cocktail of neurotoxins that can incapacitate prey quickly, making it one of the deadliest ambush predators in the snake world.

12. Fer-de-lance

Native to Central and South America, the fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) is a pit viper with a fearsome reputation. Known for its aggressive nature, this snake is responsible for the majority of snake bites in its range.

The fer-de-lance has extremely potent venom that can cause massive tissue damage, leading to necrosis. Its venom also contains hemotoxins that disrupt blood clotting, making it a particularly dangerous snake to encounter.

13. Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) holds the title for the longest fangs of any snake — up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) — and the largest venom yield per bite. Found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, this viper's venom is a mix of hemotoxins that can cause rapid swelling, intense pain, and tissue damage.

Despite its lethality, the Gaboon viper is surprisingly docile and seldom bites humans, relying instead on its camouflage to avoid detection.

14. Tiger Rattlesnake

The tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) is a small but highly venomous snake found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Despite its modest size, the tiger rattlesnake packs a punch with one of the most toxic venoms of any rattlesnake species.

Its venom is primarily neurotoxic, causing muscle paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure if medical treatment isn't administered quickly. Its shy nature and tendency to avoid humans are the only reasons it isn't responsible for more fatalities.

15. Philippine Cobra

The Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis) is particularly dangerous because of its ability to spit venom with deadly accuracy. Found in the northern regions of the Philippines, this cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the respiratory system and potentially leading to death within 30 minutes if untreated.

Unlike many cobras, the Philippine cobra's venom is also highly toxic even when not injected directly into the bloodstream, making it a serious threat both from bites and venom spray.

16. Western Brown Snake

The western brown snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis), also known as gwardar, is another highly venomous species native to Australia. Although its venom is not as potent as that of the inland taipan, it is still extremely dangerous.

The western brown snake is fast and can deliver multiple quick bites in rapid succession. Its venom causes blood clotting disorders and muscle paralysis, making it a serious danger to anyone unfortunate enough to encounter it.

17. Many-banded Krait

The many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus), found in Southeast Asia and southern China, is highly venomous and responsible for many fatal snake bites. This snake is most active at night and is often encountered in residential areas.

Its venom contains potent neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, with death occurring within hours if untreated. Despite its deadliness, the many-banded krait is generally shy and avoids confrontation with humans.

18. Green Mamba

The green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) is a highly venomous snake found in the coastal regions of southern East Africa. Unlike its more aggressive cousin, the black mamba, the green mamba is generally shy and reclusive.

However, its venom is no less dangerous, consisting of potent neurotoxins that can cause respiratory paralysis and death within hours. Its striking green color allows it to blend into the foliage, making it difficult to spot.

19. Mojave Rattlesnake

The Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is considered the most dangerous rattlesnake species in the United States, thanks to its venom's unique composition. The Mojave rattlesnake's venom contains both neurotoxins and hemotoxins, making it doubly lethal.

This snake is found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Despite its fearsome reputation, the Mojave rattlesnake is generally nonaggressive and will often warn intruders with its distinctive rattle before striking.

20. Puff Adder

The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is responsible for more snake bite fatalities in Africa than any other snake. This snake is widespread across the continent and is known for its sluggish nature, making it more likely to be stepped on by unsuspecting victims.

The puff adder's venom is a mix of cytotoxins that cause severe pain, swelling and tissue damage. If untreated, a bite from a puff adder can lead to death, due to its highly toxic venom and the snake's tendency to strike multiple times in quick succession.

We updated this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: The Most Venomous Snake in the World and 19 Deadly Others

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