[WATCH] – Snakebite institute sheds light on the notorious black mamba
Although this is snake has a reputation as being the most dangerous snake in Africa, it is actually a shy and elusive one that will try to avoid humans at all costs.
The notorious black mamba (dendroaspis polylepis) is often said to be the deadliest snake in the world and with good reason.
It is a large and active snake that will move quite fast, with as much as a third of its body off the ground.
“Both at home in trees and on the ground, the black mamba is active during the day, when it hunts for prey such as rodents, squirrels, hyrax, small antelope and fledgling birds. It is fond of basking and will often return to the same site daily. But if danger is present, it will disappear quickly into dense bush or down the nearest hole or rock crevice,” said Ashley Kemp of the African Snakebite Institute.
The snake lays six to 17 eggs in Summer. The young, when they hatch, measure 40cm to 60cm in length and are venomous from the moment they emerge. Juvenile mambas are very nervous and seldom seen.
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“The black mamba is rarely black in colour. Its overall colour is usually olive green, dark olive, greyish brown, light grey or gunmetal grey, sometimes with darker mottling that may form oblique bars down the sides. Some old individuals may be very dark in colour and from a distance appear to be black. Juveniles are mostly light to medium grey in colour with a light belly. The inside of the mouth of a black mamba is usually a dark inky black, but individuals with a light coloured mouth may also be encountered. When threatened, the snake is quick to draw back into a striking position, may form a narrow hood and open the mouth to expose the black interior,” she added.
Although this is snake has a reputation as being the most dangerous snake in Africa, it is actually a shy and elusive one that will try to avoid humans at all costs.
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