Page 5 - Deadliest Snakes

described as being coffi n shaped—a suitable descrip-
tion considering this snake’s killing power. The eyes are

round, medium in size, and dark brown in the center,
with pale yellow rings along the outer edges.
In terms of its overall build, the black mamba’s body
is rounded, with a tapering tail, and it is frighteningly
long. This snake’s average length is about 8 to 9 feet
(2.5 to 3 m), but some individuals are much bigger. The

largest recorded black mamba was nearly 15 feet (4.5
m) long, or about the length of a car, making this reptile
Africa’s longest venomous snake and the world’s sec-
ond longest, after the king cobra.
Despite its intimidating length, the black mamba is
not bulky. This snake has a slender build that makes
it surprisingly lightweight for its length. Even the lon-

gest black mambas usually weigh less than 4 pounds
(1.8 kg). This slim, light frame lets the black mamba
slither easily across tree branches, slip into cracks
and crevices, or travel anywhere else it wants to go.

Home and Habits

Black mambas are found across a large part of south-
eastern Africa. They have been occasionally reported
in western Africa as well, although scientists have not
confi rmed these sightings. Within their known range,
black mambas are fairly common and in no danger of
extinction.

Black mambas are found in dry regions and are
mostly ground dwellers. They prefer low, open areas
such as savannas, but may settle in woodlands and
forests as well. They are sometimes found in hilly areas
at higher altitudes, up to a maximum of about 6,000

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