The most dangerous snakes in the world

You know animal facts that a number of species can be quite dangerous if you cross them in nature, especially if they feel threatened. Even snakes that are generally friendly can kill you with their venom if you take them by surprise. Here are 10 of the most dangerous snakes on the planet.

1. Russell’s Viper

Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) / Photo: Vishalbeec / License

At the top of our list of the world’s most dangerous snakes is the Russell’s viper. Another member of India’s “Big 4”, this snake kills more people than any other animal (except humans) with a staggering 25,000 fatalities a year in India alone. The global figure is even higher if we consider that the Russell’s viper is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and sub-species are even more widespread.

Like all the snakes on this list the Russell’s viper’s venom is very powerful, although less so than most. However, what it might lack in potency it makes up for in quantity with an adult snake possessing enough venom to kill around 20 people. Not only is the bite of the Russell’s viper often fatal, it is also described as excruciatingly painful. Unlike the super-fast acting neurotoxins of snakes like the black mamba the venom of the Russell’s viper is a hemotoxin which works by destroying the body’s tissues.

2. Rattlesnake

When most people think of poisonous snakes, the rattlesnake springs to mind pretty quickly. These snakes are found throughout the Americas and are actually a type of viper. Their name comes of course from the rattle which is found at the end of the tail and which creates a distinctive noise. Eastern Diamondbacks are the most poisonous of all rattlesnakes. Thankfully, only about 4% of bites result in fatalities with prompt treatment, but untreated, any rattlesnake bite has the potential to kill. The venom can also cause permanent damage to organs and may even lead to the loss of a limb.

3. Death Adder

You know that famous legend about Cleopatra using a snake to kill herself? The type of snake she supposedly used was a death adder. You can find these snakes throughout Australia, New Guinea, and other regions. A bite can result in paralysis, respiratory arrest, and death inside of only six hours. With fast treatment, a patient is unlikely to die, but without treatment, about 50% of bites are lethal. Death adders also prey on other snakes.

4. Inland Taipan

While it’s difficult to be as impressed by the Inland Taipan after learning about the concentration of venom in a Belcher’s Sea Snake bite, it’d be foolish to discount the Taipan just because its bite can only kill as many as 100 people! Taipans usually avoid human contact, however, and you are unlikely to ever encounter ones

5. Eastern Brown Snake

This type of snake is among the few which are actually aggressive. It is commonly found in Australia, and may be found in populated areas like cities, not just remote locations. If it perceives someone as a threat, it will actually chase that person out of its territory. If the snake is not confident of its safety, it may decide to bite. If it does so, it may bite many times during a single attack. Less than half contain venom, but those that do can cause paralysis or death. Because of its proximity to population centers and its aggression, you could argue the Eastern Brown Snake is the most dangerous snake in the world.

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Posted by amazingsciencefactsforkids