Snakes are some of the most fascinating animals on the planet. Not only do they look different than most other creatures, but the way they hunt and the fact that some of them are poisonous or, more accurately, venomous, captures people’s imaginations. Of all the dangerous snakes on the planet, these 5 are some of the world’s most dangerous snakes.
1. Belcher’s Sea Snake
The world’s most dangerous snake is Belcher’s sea snake. These snakes, which are commonly found in waters around Australia, in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Thailand, are usually either bluish or yellowish in color, and display thick, dark green bands. It is estimated that only a small amount of venom from the Belcher’s sea snake could kill 1000 people. However, this snake is not aggressive and almost never bites. When it does bite, it rarely injects any venom.
2. Inland Taipan
Another of the planet’s most dangerous snakes is the Inland Taipan. Many members of the Taipan family are deadly, but the Inland Taipan, which is found in Australia, is said to have the most devastating venom of any terrestrial snake. The Taipan’s bite could easily kill in under an hour, and it’s estimated that one bite has enough venom to kill 100 people. However, this snake is relatively rare, so bites are uncommon. The Inland Taipan is brown and usually grows to between six and eight feet long.
3. Eastern Brown Snake
The Eastern brown snake is another deadly species of Australia. These snakes grow to between three and six feet long. They are very aggressive and often strike multiple times if they feel threatened. However, not all bites contain venom. A bite that does deliver venom causes paralysis, seizures and cardiac arrest.
4. Black Mamba
One of the most well-known dangerous snakes is the Black Mamba. These snakes are found across the central portion and along the Southeastern side of Africa. They can grow to between eight and ten feet long and are considered the fastest snakes in the world. The venom in one bite can kill about 20 people.
5. Common Krait
Like Taipans, many types of Kraits are venomous. The most deadly is the Common Krait, found in Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. This snake is usually black or dark gray with bluish white bands. These snakes are aggressive hunters, and eat other snakes. However, they are shy and nocturnal, so bites, which cause coma and death, are rare.
This wraps up our list on the world’s most dangerous snakes, for more deadly creatures check out: 5 of the World’s Most Poisonous Frogs, 5 Most Poisonous Insects of North America, 5 of the Most Poisonous Arthropods of America!
Featured Image from Glen Carrie/Unsplash
