10 Most Venomous Snakes in the World, Once Bitten They Live Immediately and Run Away
Snake Illustration.
– Did you know that there are more than 3,000 types of snakes on this planet? Of these, around 600 are venomous.
In fact, a small number of poisonous snakes are so venomous you might not believe it. However, what is the most venomous snake in the world, and what makes it so dangerous? Was it the amount of poison, the strength of the poison, or both?
Scientists measure how venomous a snake is by using a toxicology test called median lethal dose, also known as LD50.
The smaller the number, the more venomous the snake is. By applying this scale, we can determine which snakes are the most venomous in the world.
Whether it's a large amount of venom injected or a truly dangerous level of potency, we'll use this scale to show you the top ten most venomous snakes, as quoted from animals.com:
Dubbed the “ultimate pit viper”, the fer-de-lance injects large amounts of venom using the large size and length of its fangs.
Responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in its region, the fer-de-lance or terciopelo starts the list of the most venomous snakes in the world. Located in South and Central America along with Mexico and Brazil, the fer-de-lance is one of the most dangerous pit vipers out there.
Reaching 8 feet in length and weighing an average of 10-13 pounds, this snake is present in many populated areas, which is why it has so many bites. Depending on the species, terciopelo bites with an average of 500-1500 mg of venom in one bite.
Illustration of a snake entering a PS rental place. Photo : pixabay
King Cobra
Known as the world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra has a fearsome reputation. No one would argue that the king cobra is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, and for good reason.
Not only does it inject an average of 400-1000 mg per bite, but the venom is powerful enough to kill approximately 11 people in one bite! Located in South Asia, the king cobra reaches a length of 10-13 feet, much longer than other venomous snakes.
Research shows that a king cobra bite can kill a person in as little as 30 minutes, considering the high levels of neurotoxins and cytotoxins. In addition, given the length of this snake, it often bites higher parts of the body.
Many cobras have a unique defensive position that causes them to fly into the air, and their hoods expand in a threatening manner. King cobras are no exception, and these snakes often bite and grab hold of anything that threatens them!
This snake is not the most venomous snake in the world, but it can be deadly!
Boomslang
Although belonging to the Colubridae family, boomslangs are highly venomous, capable of opening their jaws 170 degrees to bite. Boomslangs live in trees throughout much of Africa, especially in Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
As you've no doubt seen, the boomslang has a very potent bite, injecting only 1-8 mg at a time. However, the LD50 is so low that it only takes one bite to kill someone. But what's more dangerous than boomslang poison? The false sense of security it gives people after they are bitten.
Boomslangs are notorious for biting people and have no adverse side effects – at least for now. Many victims of boomslang snake bites assume that they were bitten with a dry bite or a non-lethal dose. However, the side effects come when it is too late: the boomslang's venom prevents blood from clotting in the body, resulting in internal bleeding, and even bleeding in vital organs.
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus) /Illustration. Photo : ANTARA FOTO/Rahmad
Russell's Rattlesnake
Russell's viper is so venomous that it has a mortality rate of around 2.6% in India. Considering the fact that 40-70 mg of Russell's viper venom is enough to kill the average person, the bite of this snake is very dangerous!
In fact, Russell's vipers kill more people in Sri Lanka, Burma and India than any other snake. This snake is found in the open grasslands of the Indian subcontinent, hunting in densely populated areas. Not only does this make the Russell's viper extremely dangerous due to its close proximity - but it also has the bite to back it up.
Black Mamba
One of the most feared snakes in the world, you may have heard of the Black Mamba due to its dangerous qualities and fearsome reputation. And it deserves it: located in sub-Saharan Africa, the Black Mamba not only has a bite that can rival any other snake on this list, but it's also huge.
It is the largest venomous snake in Africa, often reaching 10 feet. Plus, it can lift its body into the air like a cobra, and it often bites more than once, snapping quickly before fleeing at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour!
Talking about the Black Mamba's bite, this snake has a very deadly type of venom in its fangs. Although it can inject 100-400 mg of venom in one bite, the average person will die within 6-14 hours after being bitten. In fact, most symptoms appear within ten minutes, making these snakes very scary.
As if all that wasn't bad enough, the Black Mamba's bite also has an analgesic factor that makes the victim feel like they've never been bitten, or perhaps the bite isn't as extreme as it actually is. This is truly one of the most dangerous and venomous snakes in the world.
Eastern Brown Snake
The venomous Australian Brown Snake is responsible for around 60% of snake bite deaths in Australia. Considered the second most venomous land snake due to its venom potency, the eastern brown snake has a feared bite. Located in Australia, this snake is responsible for the most snakebite deaths in its region.
This is due to the fact that as little as 3 mg of venom can kill the average human, but it is also related to the location of the snake. It prefers to hunt in populated areas, which means it encounters humans more often than it should!
Dubois Sea Snake
One of the most venomous snakes in the world, the Dubois sea snake gives birth to young and feeds on seaweed. Living among coral reefs in the Coral Sea, Arafura Sea, Timor Sea and Indian Ocean, the Dubois sea snake is a very venomous snake. Its bite is powerful, although there are not many records of this snake killing anyone.
However, with an LD50 of 0.04mg, you can already guess that this sea snake could kill a passing scuba diver with just one bite if provoked! Despite its powerful venom and being the most venomous sea snake in the world, very few deaths from Dubois sea snake bites considering how vast our oceans are!
Jungle Cobra
Considered the largest cobra species, the forest cobra reaches lengths of up to ten feet. The king cobra has a cousin that is more than capable of killing a human in one bite. In fact, jungle cobras have a strong enough bite and high enough venom yield to kill 65 adults in one bite!
This is due to its low LD50 score, namely 0.22, as well as the high amount of poison that can be injected. With an average of 570mg per bite and topping out at 1100mg, the jungle cobra rivals most venomous snakes in terms of potency.
Located in Africa, the forest cobra is highly adaptable, both in its diet and behavior. It does not often have contact with humans, preferring to live isolated in forests, rivers and grasslands. However, if you happen to be bitten by a jungle cobra, severe symptoms can appear in as little as 30 minutes. Organ failure and paralysis are common, as is drowsiness, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Coastal Taipan
Among the types of taipan snakes, the coastal taipan is one of the most venomous snakes in Australia. Although the name may suggest that this snake only lives near the sea, coastal taipans occur throughout Australia. Also known as the common taipan, this highly venomous snake can kill up to 56 people in one bite!
Considering the very low LD50 of this snake and the relatively small amount of venom it injects compared to other venomous snakes, the coastal taipan is definitely a snake to avoid.
If you are bitten by a coastal taipan, the neurotoxins found in its venom can change your body for life. In fact, those who receive medical treatment within 2 hours of being bitten still have the potential to experience respiratory paralysis and kidney injury.
Although there are also cases where the victim died from the bite in less than an hour, so seeking immediate medical attention is a must in case of a bite from this snake!
Inland Tycoon
The highly venomous Inland Taipan is an agile snake that can bite up to 8 times in one attack. Arguably the world's most venomous and deadliest snake, the inland taipan has the lowest LD50 rating of any snake found here: at 0.01 mg.
In fact, the inland taipan only bites with 44-110mg of venom per bite, and this is still enough to kill 289 humans! Not only does it cause more than 80% poison, it also has the ability to bite repeatedly.
However, despite its potential, the inland taipan is considered docile and prefers to be left alone by humans. If you are bitten by this taipan, seeking an emergency medical center is a must. This snake's venom contains a neurotoxin that is strong enough to kill an adult in just 45 minutes. Symptoms include paralysis, muscle damage, internal bleeding, and kidney failure.
Reaching 8 feet in length and weighing an average of 10-13 pounds, this snake is present in many populated areas, which is why it has so many bites. Depending on the species, terciopelo bites with an average of 500-1500 mg of venom in one bite.