Top 10 Fastest Animals

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• 10. Brown Hare

  The Brown Hare’s long back legs enable them to reach speeds of 77kph (48mph), the same speed as their predator the red fox.
  
  Picture Credit: David Baird

• 9. Blue Wildebeest

  The Blue Wildebeest, Springbok and Thompson’s gazelle can all run at about 80kph (50mph) which almost exactly matches the top speed of a lion.
  
  Picture Credit: Muhammad Mahdi Karim

• 8. Marlin

  Marlin can swim at 80kph (50mph), just beaten for the title of the world’s fastest fish by the super speedy Sail Fish.
  
  Picture Credit: Dominic Sharoney

• 7. Pronghorn Antelope

  The Pronghorn antelope is the second fasted land animal and at 98kph (60mph) can out-sprint predators.
  
  Picture Credit: Yathin SK (Wiki Commons)

• 6. Sail Fish

  The sail fish is easily the world’s fastest fish, speeding through the water at 110kph (68mph)!
  
  Picture Credit: CFoceanimages

• 5. Cheetah

  The cheetah is skilled at running down fast prey and can reach a top speed of 113kph (70mph).  That’s three times faster than the top running speed for a human which is about 36kph (22mph)! Cheetahs have a skill that no other big cat has, find out what that is in our Animal A-Z section.

   

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• 4. Spur-Winged Goose

  The Spur-Winged Goose is the world’s largest goose and can fly at 142kph (88mph).
  
  Picture Credit: Dick Daniels

• 3. Frigate Bird

  The frigate bird’s speed of 153kph(95mph) is helped by having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird. They are able to stay aloft for more than a week at a time!
  
  Picture Credit: Waltmills (Wiki Commons User)

• 2. White Throated Needletail

  The White Throated Needletail (also known as the Spine Tailed Swift) is the fastest bird in powered flight, with a top recorded speed of 171kph/106mph!
  
  Picture Credit: Ron Knight

• 1. Peregrine Falcon

  The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird, and in fact the fastest animal on the planet, when in its hunting dive, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then dives steeply at speeds of over 322kph (200mph). It reaches horizontal cruising speeds of up to 90 kph (56mph). Find out more fascinating information on Peregrine Falcons in our Animals A-Z section.

   

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10 Terrifying And Dangerous Turtles and Lizards

Green Iguana

The Iguana has become a fairly popular pet in recent years, and advocates would say having this giant, prehistoric looking reptile around is like an alternative to a dog. Although herbivorous, the Iguana can be unpredictable, and possesses razor sharp teeth. On several occasions, savage injuries have resulted when “tame” but powerful Iguana have become agitated and latched on their owners face or slashed hands with teeth and claws. Iguana may weigh up to 18 pounds and reach over 6 feet in length, making an attack by this giant lizard nothing to joke about. Emergency room visits could very well follow your visit to Jurassic park.

9

Leatherback Sea Turtle

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest of all turtles, occasionally reaching over 8 feet in length. These 2,000 pound omnivores are possibly the widest ranging vertebrate animal on Earth, but are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and bycatch. The turtles are usually fairly gentle giants, but can deliver a bone shattering bite if disturbed, and are extremely strong and powerful. In one bizarre case, a huge leatherback, likely weighing over 1500 pounds turned its aggression toward a small boat and charged it. The turtle had just been chased by a shark, so the boat was considered a threat.

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Mata Mata Turtle

South America’s Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. Sharing the rivers with Piranha and River Dolphin is the unearthly Mata-Mata Turtle. The fate of a human who stepped on a Mata-Mata has not been well tested, but the bizarre river reptiles have an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble human fused teeth. Prey items of these extraordinarily creepy exclusive carnivores include waterbirds, fish, and other reptiles. We could only imagine the effect on a boater who reaches towards the bump in the water…

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Big-headed Turtle

The Big-headed Turtle is a bizarre chelonian species with a long, snakelike tail nearly the length of its body. This turtle is native to Southeast Asia, where it hunts for a variety of prey items in the rivers. The large head cannot be retracted into its shell, and carries immensely powerful jaws. The turtle will not hesitate to use its bone shattering beak if a threat is perceived, so it is best to keep your distance. The Asian Soft-shelled is, incredibly, capable of climbing trees, where it may perch, birdlike. Sadly, this awesome creature is at risk due to poaching, which must be combatted with increased diligence.

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Soft-shelled Turtles

Looking like flattened, human/reptile hybrid out of an alien horror film, Soft-Shells make up for their shell shortcomings with a very hard bite. Among the many species of Soft-Shelled Turtles worldwide, the Cantor’s Giant Softshell, native to China is the most terrifying. It hides in the sand, waiting for prey, before striking out with sharp teeth. The sheer size and power of the bite could lead to horrendous injuries. However, this species is unfortunately now endangered, but more abundant species of soft shell such as the Florida Soft Shell occur in numbers worldwide and may chomp unwary fisherman.

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Nile Monitor

The Nile Monitor shares the Nile and other African rivers with crocodiles, growing up to 9 feet in length. This terrifying lizard often preys upon the young crocodiles as an addition to its mammal and bird diet, and possesses an extremely powerful, infectious bite. When threatened by humans or other potential intruders, a Nile Monitor can seize with a viselike, bone shattering grip, which it is reluctant to release. The giant reptiles are sold as family pets, but owners should be cautious with reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can “snap a cat’s neck in an instant and then swallow it whole”. Children should remain well out of reach of these lizards, as an attack is a possibility with such predators.

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Gila Monster

The Gila Monster is North America’s largest lizard at over 2 foot long, and is the only one that is venomous. Gilas are endangered and protected by law, but humans who interfere may become endangered themselves. If disturbed, a Gila Monster may latch on to the offender’s legs or arms, where it sinks its teeth in, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent, neurotoxic venom. A number of deaths took place before greater awareness of the dangers and treatment options became known. Lacking fangs, the Gila will hold on with great force to a human hand, slowly chewing up the flesh, leaving a mangled, venom soaked mess. Submerging the monster in water may force it to let go, stopping the carnage.

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Malayan Water Monitor

The Malayan Water Monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world, and lurks in the rivers and deep swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has backwards curving teeth, and is known to feed on…dead bodies. If a living human fell into the water where several Water Monitor were feeding, it is very possible that the reptile’s hunting instinct would be activated by the vulnerability of the human, provoking an attack. Water Monitors are capable of feeding on a wide range of animals, and have little trouble with large prey, weighing over 150 pounds in some cases. Length may reach…9.5 feet.

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Alligator Snapping Turtle

The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the world’s largest freshwater turtle, and by far the most dangerous. Weighing over 200 pounds, the bizarre looking reptile has a cone covered, dinosaur like shell, and a massive beak that will cleanly amputate any body part brought near it, and is capable of severing a broom handle with lightning speed. A swimmer accidentally treading nearby could easily lose part of a foot. Although deaths have not been confirmed, drowning may have occurred undetected. A hypothetical report of a 400 pound snapper is supported by the continued growth of this species throughout its lifespan, which may reach 200 years.

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Komodo Dragon

The Komodo Dragon stalks the forested lowlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to nearly every living thing as a prehistoric apex predator. The 10 foot, 300 pound beasts are the largest lizards on Earth, forming microcosm of a prehistoric world where reptiles ruled. Komodos feed on prey as large as water buffalo, and have attacked, disremembered and consumed humans. Such large prey items are charged and knocked down, followed by a vicious attack involving large amounts of flesh being removed. The toxic saliva and bacteria will weaken an animal that does not die right away. Scientists have theorized the Komodo evolved to feed on now extinct dwarf island elephants.

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The Top 10 Deadliest and Most Dangerous Snakes in the World

10 of the World's Deadliest Snakes

Around the globe, there exists a handful of snakes capable of causing serious harm or death to humans. Although the majority of snakes in the world are relatively harmless (and capable of inflicting only minor flesh wounds), a small number of species are quite dangerous to humans due to their aggressive behavior and potent venom.

This article explores the 10 deadliest snakes currently known to exist, based on an analysis of their overall toxicity and potential for human fatalities in the absence of medical attention or appropriate antivenom. (At the end of this article, you will find a section with tips on what to do if you're bitten by a venomous snake!)

Is "Deadliest" the Same as "Most Venomous"?

No. In selecting the snakes presented below, the author makes a number of assumptions. Since most venomous snake bites can be effectively countered by antivenom, the author is forced to classify these snakes with a presumptive mindset. To accomplish this, each of the snakes listed below is analyzed according to its potential for causing human fatalities in the absence of antivenom or medical care, not the number of human fatalities it actually causes.

Average time of death following a bite and the overall potency of their venom is also considered, since any venomous snake has the potential to be deadly if appropriate medical care is not sought immediately. This is particularly true for rural and remote areas where hospitals and doctors are less accessible to victims. While imperfect, the author believes that these criteria offer the best measurements available for determining the world’s deadliest snakes.

I worked in a venom lab for four years, and I can tell you that every venomous snake I have ever met wants to be left alone. Besides, the venom is really expensive for them. It's a really expensive thing to create, and they are trying to use it conservatively. I see a venomous bite from a snake as a sort of last resort.

— David Penning, Biologist and Snake Expert at Missouri Southern State University

Rattlesnake | Source

10. Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

• Average Size: 3.3 feet
• Geographical Range: Southwestern United States and central Mexico
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

The Mojave Rattlesnake, also known as the Mojave Green, is a highly venomous pit-viper species. It is found predominantly in the desert regions of the southwestern United States as well as central Mexico and is largely considered by scientists to possess the most poisonous venom of all rattlesnake species. The Mojave Rattlesnake grows to around 3.3 feet in length (on average), with the largest reaching lengths of 4.5 feet.

The snake’s color varies from light green to brown, allowing it to easily blend in with its nearby surroundings. The snake also closely resembles the Western Diamondback Rattler, with the main difference being the bands along their rattle-tails; the Western Diamondback's bands are bright white, while the Mojave Rattlesnake's bands are dullish white-beige.

Mojave Rattlesnake Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The venom of the Mojave Rattlesnake is extremely deadly, and nearly matches the toxicity of several elapids (such as the King Cobra).

Bites from the Mojave Rattler often have delayed symptoms, prompting individuals to often underestimate the severity of their bite. However, within hours, vision problems, difficulty speaking/swallowing, as well as muscle weakness are very common. Moreover, the venom often causes difficulty breathing and often leads to respiratory failure if prompt medical treatment is not sought.

Despite its potency, however, fatalities from the Mojave Rattlesnake are relatively rare due to the prominence of CroFab antivenom. This antivenom, which uses the Mojave Rattlesnake venom in its manufacture and development, is highly effective for neutralizing the effects of the snake’s bites.

Philippine Cobra | Source

9. Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis)

• Average Size: 3.3 feet
• Geographical Range: Northern Philippines
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened (Population Decreasing)

The Philippine Cobra, also known as the Northern Philippine Cobra, is a highly venomous species of snakes residing in the northernmost corners of the Philippine islands. It often inhabits the low-lying plains and forest regions of the Philippines and is often found near sources of fresh water.

The species is quite stocky and possesses a hood that can be raised when threatened. The snake tends to be brown in color, with older snakes lightening in their brown appearance with age. The average length of the cobra is approximately 3.3 feet, but some Philippine Cobras have been known to reach lengths of 5.2 feet.

Philippine Cobra Bite Symptoms and Treatment

Composed of a postsynaptic neurotoxin that directly affects the respiratory system of its victims, the venom of the Philippine Cobra is extremely potent. It is also known to cause paralysis of the neuromuscular system.

Symptoms of a cobra’s bite include extreme nausea, vomiting, migraines, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, difficulty speaking and/or breathing. Unlike the Mojave Rattlesnake, symptoms often appear very rapidly (within 30 minutes).

Although treatments are available to help mitigate the venom, they are not always successful, and the cobra’s bites often result in death. To make matters worse, the Philippine Cobra also possesses the ability to spit its venom at potential victims, causing serious damage to the eyes if hit (including permanent blindness).

Death Adder | Source

8. Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)

• Average Size: 1.3 feet
• Geographical Range: Eastern and coastal southern Australia
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Death Adder is a highly venomous elapid snake found in Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding region. It is considered one of the deadliest snakes in the world, with approximately seven different species making up its overall genus. Although the Death Adder has a viper-like appearance, it is actually a member of the elapid family of snakes, which includes Cobras and Black Mambas.

Death Adders are quite short, with triangular heads and small scales adorning their bodies. They also possess large fangs, as well as a “lure” at the end of their tail that resembles a small worm. Typically, the Death Adder maintains a shade of black or grey. However, some Death Adder species can take on a reddish-yellow, brown, or greenish-grey hue.

Unlike many snakes that actively hunt, the Death Adder often lies in wait for its prey and ambushes potential victims with lightning-fast strikes. Amazingly, the Death Adder can strike its prey and inject it with venom in less than 0.15 seconds.

Death Adder Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Death Adder’s venom is a highly toxic neurotoxin. Bites from a Death Adder are extremely deadly and can result in death within six hours if treatment is not sought out. Similar to other snakes in this list, the venom often causes paralysis, as well as a complete respiratory system shutdown. Although antivenoms have been developed for the Death Adders, deaths still occur from their bite as antivenom is only able to slow down the progression of symptoms to a degree.

Tiger Snake | Source

7. Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)

• Average Size: 3.9 feet
• Geographical Range: Southeastern Australia (including the Bass Strait islands and Tasmania), and the southwestern part of Australia
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

The Tiger Snake is a highly venomous snake that is found along the southern sector of Australia and Tasmania. The Tiger Snake is often found in coastal regions, wetlands, and marshes due to the abundance of prey in these sorts of environments.

Tiger Snakes reach a size of approximately 3.93 feet in length and come in a large variety of colors depending on their location (olive, yellow, orange, brown, and black). Similar to cobras, the tiger snake is quite aggressive when startled, and will flatten its body in order to raise its head above ground level.

Tiger Snake Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Tiger Snake’s venom is comprised of highly potent neurotoxins, coagulants, myotoxins, and haemolysins. Symptoms of their bite include extreme pain in the foot and neck, body tingling, excessive sweating, numbness, trouble breathing, and paralysis. Luckily, there is an effective antivenom (provided that the bite victim receives care in time).

The mortality rate for untreated Tiger Snake bites is nearly 60%. Of the recorded snake bites in Australia between 2005 and 2015, Tiger Snakes accounted for approximately 17% of all bites in the region (Wikipedia.org). Out of 119 bites, 4 individuals died from complications.

Chain Viper | Source

"The snake will always bite back."

— Jake "The Snake" Roberts, American Actor and Professional Wrestler

6. Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)

• Average Size: 4 feet
• Geographical Range: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Cambodia, Tibet, China (Guangxi, Guangdong), Taiwan, and Indonesia
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

Russell’s Viper, also known as the Chain Viper, is a venomous snake from the Viperidae family. It is found predominantly in Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, and India. Chain Vipers are quite common and are typically found in grasslands or brushy areas. They are also common around farms but tend to avoid forested regions, as well as marshes, and swamps.

One of the Chain Viper's primary food sources is rodents. As a result, these snakes are often found around human settlements, given the fact that rats and mice tend to stay close to humans.

Chain Vipers possess flat, triangular heads, with rounded (and raised) snouts. Their color patterns vary by snake, but they are typically yellow, tan, and brown in color. These deadly snakes can reach lengths of 5.5 feet, with a width of approximately six inches.

Chain Viper Bite Symptoms and Treatment

Chain Vipers produce a considerable amount of venom in their bites, which are highly lethal to humans in doses of 40–70 milligrams.

Common symptoms from a Chain Viper bite include excessive bleeding (particularly in the gums and urine), a rapid drop in blood pressure (and heart rate), blistering, necrosis, vomiting, facial swelling, kidney failure, and blood clotting.

For individuals who seek emergency attention, antivenom is relatively effective against the Chain Viper. However, pain from the bite often continues for approximately four weeks and is known to cause severe tissue damage. Approximately 29% of survivors also suffer from damage to their pituitary glands.

Black Mamba | Source

5. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

• Average Size: 6.6–10 feet
• Geographical Range: Southern and eastern Africa
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

The Black Mamba is a species of extremely venomous snake that resides in Sub-Saharan Africa. This snake is also known to live in both the ground as well as trees. As a result, they are often found along savannas, woodlands, forests, and rockier regions. It is in these regions that the Black Mamba often preys on birds and other small animals. Given its rapid speed (around 10 miles per hour), the snake is able to overcome most of its prey with ease.

The Mamba is known for its long length, at approximately 6.6 feet to 10 feet on average. Some Black Mambas have even reached lengths of nearly 14.8 feet, making it one of the longest venomous snakes in the world. The Black Mamba often maintains a color of grey, olive, and dark brown, with adults being far darker than younger mambas.

The Black Mamba gets its name not from the color of its scales, which usually range from brown to greyish green, but from the color of its inner mouth—a gaping black maw it displays when threatened.

Black Mamba Bite Symptoms and Treatment

Unlike other snakes, the Black Mamba typically delivers multiple bites when it strikes. Its venom, which is composed primarily of neurotoxins, induces symptoms within a span of 10 minutes and is fatal if antivenom is not administered rapidly.

Rather than causing local swelling and necrosis (like many venomous snake bites), a Black Mamba’s venom often causes severe tingling, a metallic taste in the mouth, drooping eyelids, neurological dysfunction, blurred vision, and paralysis of the respiratory system. Extreme drowsiness, inability to speak, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sweating are also common.

Humans that are bitten by a Black Mamba will usually die within anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours after injection if medical treatment is not administered rapidly, but fatalities have been reported in as little as 20 minutes after injection. Unfortunately, antivenom is not widely available in many of the rural areas the Black Mamba calls home, where deaths caused by this highly venomous snake are still frequent.

Eastern Brown Snake | Source

4. Eastern Brown (Pseudonaja textilis)

• Average Size: 4.9–6.6 feet
• Geographical Range: Eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

Eastern Browns are found in nearly all environments, except for dense forests, around Australia. They are most common around farms, as their main prey includes the populous house mouse.

This extremely deadly snake is quite slender in appearance and reaches an average length of 4.9 to 6.6 feet. As its name implies, the Eastern Brown is typically brown in color, with some snakes taking on a blackish appearance as well. Eastern Browns are well known for their small fangs, dark tongues, and dark black eyes. They are also quite solitary and tend to be most active during the daylight hours.

Eastern Brown Snake Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Eastern Brown Snake’s venom is extremely deadly and is responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other snake species. Out of 35 reported snake-bite deaths between 2000 and 2016 in Australia, 23 of the were caused by the Eastern Brown Snake (University of Melbourne, 2017).

That being said, bites from this snake have a fairly low mortality rate—just 10–20%—since the snake does not typically deliver a high volume of venom with each bite. Early symptoms of an Eastern Brown Snake bite include coagulation of the blood, a sudden drop in blood pressure, severe bleeding, and heart failure. Other symptoms include kidney failure, extreme nausea and vomiting, and migraines.

Symptoms begin rapidly (within 15 minutes of being bitten). However, depending on the amount of venom injected during the bite, some individuals have been known to develop extreme symptoms within only two minutes.

Neurotoxicity is rare with the Eastern Brown Snake’s bite, as its venom typically attacks the cardiovascular system of its victim. Although antivenom has been available since 1956, the rapid onset of symptoms often negates the benefits of the antivenom, as victims often slip into cardiac arrest before appropriate care can be given.

Inland Taipan | Source

3. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

• Average Size: 5.9 feet
• Geographical Range: The west and southwest of Queensland, far west of New South Wales into the northeast corner of South Australia, and the southeast of the Northern Territory
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

The Taipan is a highly venomous snake that resides in Australasia. It is a member of the elapid family (which includes cobras) and is considered to be one of the deadliest snakes in the world today. There are three known species of the Taipan, including the Coastal Taipan, Inland Taipan, and the Central Ranges Taipan. Most of the Taipan species are found along the northeast coast of Queensland, as well as the southern sector of Papua New Guinea. It primarily feeds on rats and bandicoots, along with other small mammals.

Unlike most snakes, the Inland Taipan feeds almost exclusively on mammals. As a result, its venom has evolved to be particularly lethal to mammals (humans being no exception!).

Tapian Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Taipan’s venom contains high levels of neurotoxins. One bite from a Taipan often results in paralysis of the victim’s nervous system and clots the blood, preventing an adequate flow of blood through the blood vessels. Headache, nausea/vomiting, convulsions, paralysis, and myolysis are also common results of Taipan bites, with respiratory paralysis setting in anywhere from 2 to 6 hours after the bite.

Prior to the development of Taipan-specific antivenom in 1956, only two individuals were reported to have survived the snake’s bite. But the window of use for this antivenom is fairly small, so getting medical help immediately is critical (as with all venomous snake bites, of course!).

Blue Krait | Source

2. Blue Krait (Bungarus candidus)

• Average Size: 3.6 feet
• Geographical Range: Throughout Thailand and much of Southeast Asia
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population Stable)

The Blue Krait, or Malayan Krait, is a highly venomous snake of the elapid family. On average, the snake reaches lengths of approximately 3.6 feet and maintains a color pattern of bluish-black crossbands that are separated by yellowish-white interspaces.

The Blue Krait is found predominantly in southeast Asia, including Indochina and Indonesia. It primarily feeds on mice, other snakes (including other Blue Kraits), reptiles, and small rodents.

Current studies have shown that the Blue Krait prefers fields, holes, and even homes for its habitat. The Blue Krait is also fond of water sources and is often found near rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is also been found that Blue Kraits are primarily nocturnal in their hunting habits.

Blue Krait Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Blue Krait’s venom is highly potent and consists of extremely powerful neurotoxins that paralyze its victim’s muscular system. The neurotoxins are made up of presynaptic and postsynaptic toxins that are known to directly attack an individual’s ability to speak or think clearly. The Blue Krait’s venom also attacks an individual’s respiratory system, causing suffocation from an inability to breathe within four hours.

Other symptoms of a krait’s bite include paralysis, severe abdominal pain/cramps, tightened facial muscles, as well as blindness. Unlike other snakes, such as the Chain Viper, which produce anywhere from 40–70 milligrams of venom in their bite, the Blue Krait produces only 10 mg. Even this small amount, however, is extremely potent and provides the same effects of other venomous snakes listed on this article with only a fourth of their overall levels.

Although people often experience no pain from a krait bite (providing them with false reassurance), death is common within four hours if left untreated. Untreated mortality rates for Blue Krait bites are an astounding 70–80%.

Belcher's Sea Snake Washed Ashore | Source

1. Belcher's Sea Snake (Hydrophis belcheri)

• Average Size: 1.5–3.3 feet
• Geographical Range: Primarily near the tropical reefs of the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Thailand, New Guinea, Indonesia, and the coastline of the Philippines (with some specimens found off the coast of Australia and the Solomon Islands)
• Conservation Status: Unknown (Data Deficient)

The Belcher’s Sea Snake, also known as the Faint-Banded Sea Snake, is an extremely venomous snake of the elapid family. Despite its shy and timid temperament, the Belcher’s Sea Snake is considered the most poisonous snake in the world. The snake is relatively small in size, with a slender body and a yellow base with green crossbands.

It is commonly found in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Philippines, Gulf of Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and the northwest coasts of Australia. It is typically found along tropical reefs and can hold its breath for nearly eight hours before resurfacing for air. Current observations indicate that the Belcher's Sea Snake typically eats small fish and eel.

Belcher's Sea Snake Bite Symptoms and Treatment

The Belcher's Sea Snake is so poisonous that a single bite can kill an individual in less than 30 minutes. Studies have also shown its venom to be 100 times the strength of the Inland Taipan snake. Luckily, the snake’s mild manner and temperament often prevent it from attacking humans. Moreover, scientific studies have shown that the snake can control its venom secretion, and only releases venom in a quarter of its bites.

The snake’s venom contains high levels of neurotoxins and myotoxins. One drop of its venom is thought to be strong enough to kill 1,800 people. General symptoms of their bite are extreme nausea and vomiting, migraine headache, diarrhea, extreme abdominal pain, dizziness, and convulsions. Other symptoms include paralysis, muscle impairment, extreme bleeding, hysteria, respiratory failure, and renal failure.

Although antivenoms exist to counteract the snake’s deadly bite, immediate treatment is crucial for preventing death.