black mamba - kisumu museum, snakes of kenya

dendroaspis polyepis The Black Mamba is one of the deadliest snakes in the world. A single bite may inject enough venom to kill from 20-40 grown men, easily killing one unless the appropriate anti-venom is administered in time. When cornered, they will readily attack. In fact, many snake experts have cited the black mamba as the world's most aggressive snake, noting a tendency to actively attack without provocation. When in the striking position, the mamba flattens its neck, hisses very loudly and displays its inky black mouth and deadly fangs. It can rear up around one-third of its body from the ground which allows it to reach heights of approximately four feet (1.21 meters). When warding off a threat, the black mamba usually delivers multiple strikes, injecting its potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike, often attacking the body or head, unlike most other snakes.

If left undisturbed, Black Mambas tend to live in their lairs for long periods of time, which are often vacated insect mounds or hollow trees. Black mambas are diurnal snakes that hunt prey actively day or night. When hunting small animals, the Black Mamba delivers a single deadly bite and backs off, waiting for the neurotoxin in its venom to paralyze the prey. When killing a bird, however, the Black Mamba will cling to its prey, preventing it from flying away.