Page 8 - Deadliest Snakes

The BLACK MAMBA

at a Glance

• Scientifi c name: Dendroaspis polylepis
• Scientifi c family: Elapidae

• Range: Southern and eastern Africa
• Habitat: Savannas, woodlands, and forests
• Average size: 8 to 9 feet (2 to 3 m)
• Diet: Small birds and mammals

• Life span: Up to eleven years
• Key features: Black inner mouth
• Deadly because: Fast and aggressive
• Conservation status: Least concern

birds, which can fl y away. In these cases the black
mamba clamps its jaws tightly, using its teeth to hold its

prey until the unfortunate animal stops struggling.
When the prey fi nally collapses, paralyzed, the black
mamba moves in at last to enjoy its meal. The snake
usually swallows its prey headfi rst and whole. An espe-
cially large meal can create a visible lump in the black
mamba’s body. The lump disappears quickly, though,
as the mamba digests its food. These snakes can com-
pletely digest a small animal in eight to ten hours. After
the prey has been absorbed, the snake is ready to hunt

once again.

Defensive Display

Despite their fearsome reputation, black mambas do
not use their ambush techniques on people. They would

22