When confronted, black mambas are quick, nervous, venomous, and very aggressive. African myths exaggerate their abilities to mythical heights. For these reasons, the black mamba is recognized as the deadliest snake in the world. Black mambas inhabit the savannas and rocky slopes of southern and eastern Africa. They are the longest deadly snakes in Africa, reaching up to 14 feet in length, but 8.2 feet is more normal.

They are also among the world’s fastest snakes, crawling at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. They earn their name not from the color of their skin, which is olive to gray, but from the blue-black hue of the interior of their mouth, which they show when threatened. When encountered, black mambas are extremely timid and will nearly always try to flee. When cornered, however, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes a third of their body above the ground, stretch their cobra-like neck-flap, expose their black lips, and hiss.

If the assailant continues, the mamba will strike many times, injecting significant doses of strong neuro- and cardiotoxin with each stroke. Prior to the discovery of black mamba antivenin, a bite from this venomous reptile was nearly invariably let.hal, generally within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, antivenin is still not widely available in the mamba’s range’s rural areas, and mamba-related fatalities are still common. Encroachment on the territory of the black mamba not only puts strain on the species but also adds to increased possibly de.adly human interaction with these snakes.