Snakes come in many shapes and sizes, and their danger levels can vary widely. Some are not aggressive, while others can be deadly.
In fact, every year in the United States, around 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes, with about 5 of those bites resulting in death.
So, whether you’re interested in the snakes found in your backyard or those from far-off places, here are different types of snakes and explain how dangerous they can be.
1. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
- Danger Level: Very High
The Black Mamba is one of the fastest snakes in the world, capable of moving at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. (ref) Its venom is highly neurotoxic and can cause death within hours if untreated.
The combination of its speed, venom potency, and aggressive nature makes it extremely dangerous.
2. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
- Danger Level: Very High
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world and is known for its potent neurotoxic venom. Although bites are rare, they can be fatal if not treated immediately.
In 1966, Wesley Dickinson, an experienced herpetologist, was bitten while force-feeding an 8-foot Indian king cobra in Santa Ana. (ref)
3. Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus)
- Danger Level: Very High
A study looked into three cases of deaths in consecutive bites by a single banded krait. (ref)
The Banded Krait’s venom is incredibly potent, which contains powerful neurotoxins that can cause congestion of vital structures and hemorrhage. Its high venom potency makes it one of the most dangerous snakes globally.
4. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
- Danger Level: High
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the largest venomous snakes in the United States and is responsible for 95% of snakebite fatalities in the country, alongside the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. (ref)
Its venom is highly potent, containing hemotoxins that can cause severe tissue damage and bleeding. Bites can be fatal if not treated promptly.
5. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
- Danger Level: High
The Gaboon Viper is the largest viper species in Africa and is known for its impressive size and potent venom. Its venom contains a mix of hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and anticoagulants, which can cause severe bleeding, tissue damage, and organ failure.
In 1999, one incident has been reported that a 33-year-old female who kept one of these snakes at her Van Nuys home was killed by a Gaboon Viper. (ref)
6. Death Adder (Acanthophis spp.)
- Danger Level: High
The Death Adder’s venom is highly toxic and can vary in potency, with venom loads ranging from 85 to 235 milligrams. (ref) The severity of a bite depends on the amount of venom injected.
The venom contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. Death Adder bites can be fatal if not treated quickly, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
7. Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)
- Danger Level: High
The Mojave Rattlesnake is known for its potent venom, which contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis. A recent study showed one fatality out of 516 bites, though the exact cause of death was not verified.
This species can be highly dangerous, and its bites require immediate medical attention. (ref)
8. Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis)
- Danger Level: High
The Western Brown Snake is one of Australia’s most dangerous snakes. It is responsible for a significant number of snakebite deaths in the country.
Its venom contains potent neurotoxins and anticoagulants, making bites potentially fatal if not treated quickly. (ref)
9. Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
- Danger Level: High
The Eastern Brown Snake is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia. It is responsible for approximately two deaths per year.
Its venom is highly toxic, containing neurotoxins and coagulants that can cause severe health issues and death if not treated promptly. (ref)
10. Terciopelo (Bothrops asper)
- Danger Level: High
The Terciopelo, also known as the Fer-de-Lance, is responsible for a number of snakebites in Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean. (ref)
Its venom is highly hemotoxic, causing severe tissue damage, bleeding, and potential organ failure. The high incidence of bites and the severity of its venom make it a major medical concern in its range.
11. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
- Danger Level: High
Russell’s Viper is known for its aggressive behavior and highly toxic venom. A 2018 study reported 20 deaths due to its bites between 2013 and 2016. (ref) Its venom is hemotoxic and can lead to severe bleeding, kidney failure, and death if untreated.
This viper is a major cause of snakebite envenomation in its habitat, which includes parts of South Asia.
12. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis spp.)
- Danger Level: High
The Saw-Scaled Viper, while not the most venomous snake, poses a significant threat due to its high bite rate in densely populated areas like the Indian subcontinent. It is responsible for an average of 30,000 deaths per year. (ref)
Its venom contains hemotoxins and anticoagulants that cause bleeding and tissue damage, and bites are frequently fatal without prompt medical treatment.
13. Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)
- Danger Level: High
The Forest Cobra’s venom is highly neurotoxic, containing a range of toxins that can disrupt nerve signal transmission, leading to paralysis and potential respiratory failure. (ref)
This makes bites from the Forest Cobra extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
14. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
- Danger Level: High
The Boomslang’s venom is rich in hemotoxins, which cause severe internal bleeding and organ hemorrhaging.
Despite a relatively low number of fatalities, which is about eight deaths worldwide since 1957, (ref) its venom can be fatal if untreated.
The symptoms of envenomation include bleeding from various body parts and severe systemic effects.
15. Dubois’ Sea Snake (Aipysurus duboisii)
- Danger Level: High
Dubois’ sea snake ranks as the second most venomous snake tested globally. Its fangs are under 2mm in length, and it usually delivers a venom yield of 0.43mg, which is significantly below the LD50 for most people. (ref)
16. Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
- Danger Level: High
The Coastal Taipan’s venom is highly toxic, and before the development of antivenom in the 1950s, bites were universally fatal.
A coronial retrospective study of snakebites from 2000 to 2016 recorded at least one death from this species, (ref) with two other fatalities reported between 1981 and 1991. (ref)
Its venom contains potent neurotoxins and hemotoxins, making it very dangerous.
17. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
- Danger Level: High
Known as the world’s most venomous snake based on venom toxicity, the Inland Taipan’s venom can cause rapid and severe symptoms, including paralysis and organ failure.
Despite its potency, there are no records of it having bitten a human, which may be due to its reclusive nature and the fact that it is rarely encountered in the wild. (ref)
18. Cottonmouth Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
- Danger Level: Moderate
The Cottonmouth Moccasin, also known as the Water Moccasin, is responsible for a significant number of snakebites each year. Although around 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten annually, only about 1% result in death.
The venom of the Cottonmouth is primarily hemotoxic, which can cause tissue damage but is rarely fatal if treated.
19. Belcher’s Sea Snake (Hydrophis belcheri)
- Danger Level: Moderate
Belcher’s Sea Snake is one of the most venomous sea snakes, but only 25% of its bites are envenomed, or infused with poison. (ref) When envenomed, its venom can cause severe neurological and systemic effects.
Despite its high venom potency, the low percentage of poisonous bites and the snake’s generally non-aggressive nature reduce its overall threat to humans.
20. Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
- Danger Level: Low to Moderate
The Red-Bellied Black Snake is generally not aggressive and will usually retreat when approached. If threatened, it adopts a defensive posture and may bite if provoked.
While its bite is venomous, it is not typically fatal to humans, making its overall threat level relatively low. (ref)
By being informed about these snakes, you can better understand the risks and take the right precautions if you encounter them.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
