Snakes have long held a reputation for being deadly and dangerous, and while the vast majority of the over 3,000 snake species known to man are harmless, there are quite a few that can kill or severely injure you if they bite. From aggressive, highly venomous species that can strike before you even realize they are there to snakes that kill by constricting and suffocating prey to death, there are many snake species that pose a threat to humans. In this article, we take a look at the 4 deadliest snake species in the world based on the potency of their venom, their aggression levels, and their kill rates against humans. We will examine what makes each of these snakes so deadly, their geographic range, how they hunt and kill prey, and how to avoid encounters with them. So read on if you want to find out more about the 4 deadliest snakes on Earth!
1. Inland Taipan
The Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous land snake in the world based on the potency of its venom. Just a single drop of venom from an Inland Taipan contains enough toxin to kill over 20 grown men! This snake is native to the arid regions and semi deserts of central east Australia. It has incredible neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system and clots blood to prevent it from clotting. This rapidly induces muscle paralysis, bleeding disorders and cardiac arrest in envenomated human victims. Death can occur in as little as 30-45 minutes after being bitten if left untreated.
Here are some key facts about the Inland Taipan:
| Scientific Name | Oxyuranus microlepidotus |
| Average Length | 1.8 m (6 ft) |
| Maximum Length | 2.5 m (8 ft) |
| Average Weight | 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) |
| Venom Toxicity (LD50) | 0.025 mg/kg |
| Geographic Range | Central east Australia |
| Habitat | Arid regions, grasslands, semi deserts |
| Prey | Small mammals, lizards, other snakes |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
Despite having the most potent venom of any snake, the Inland Taipan is quite shy and reclusive. It lives in remote, sparsely populated regions and is hardly ever encountered by humans. When threatened, it prefers to retreat or hide rather than attack. Most bites occur when people try to kill or capture them. It has fangs up to 1.2 cm long and can inject huge quantities of venom in a single quick strike. However, it does not always release venom when it bites (known as a dry bite).
The antivenom for Inland Taipan venom was developed in the 1950s and no human fatalities have been recorded from its bite since. However, before the antivenom, this snake’s bite had a fatality rate of around 50%. With quick medical treatment, bites can now be survived, but without antivenom death is almost certain. So while extremely dangerous, the shy nature of the Inland Taipan and availability of effective antivenom means it causes very few human deaths today.
2. Eastern Brown Snake
While the Inland Taipan may have the most toxic venom drop for drop, the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is often considered the world’s most dangerous snake due to its highly venomous bite, aggressive nature, and the fact that it is responsible for the most snake bite fatalities in Australia. This species lives along the entire east coast of Australia as well as parts of inland central and southern Australia. It thrives in a variety of habitats from forests to swamps to urban areas.
The Eastern Brown Snake can grow over 2m long and weigh up to 1.5kg. It is fast moving, nervous and aggressive when threatened. It has highly potent neurotoxic and coagulopathic venom that disables the blood clotting process leading to uncontrollable bleeding. It is responsible for around 60% of all snake bite deaths every year in Australia. Without antivenom treatment, the fatality rate from an Eastern Brown Snake bite is between 30-40%.
| Scientific Name | Pseudonaja textilis |
| Average Length | 1.5 m (5 ft) |
| Maximum Length | 2.5 m (8 ft) |
| Average Weight | 0.5-1.5 kg (1-3 lb) |
| Venom Toxicity (LD50) | 0.03 – 0.1 mg/kg |
| Geographic Range | Eastern and central Australia |
| Habitat | Forests, grasslands, swamps, urban areas |
| Prey | Mammals, birds, lizards |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
Its tendency to inhabit populated areas means the Eastern Brown snake often comes into contact with people. Bites most frequently occur when people accidentally step on them or try to kill them. This snake has been deemed responsible for more human deaths than any other venomous snake in the world. Most bites occur between October to April during the snake’s active season.
Although very dangerous, most Eastern Brown Snake bites can be successfully treated with prompt medical care and antivenom. Avoiding them as much as possible and leaving them alone if encountered is the best way to prevent getting bitten. Due to their speed, only experienced professionals should attempt to catch or handle them.
3. Saw Scaled Viper
The Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) is a small but highly dangerous snake found in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. As its name suggests, it has a unique saw-like scale pattern on parts of its body that it rubs together to produce a sizzling warning sound when threatened. It has a reputation for being extremely aggressive and bites hundreds of thousands of people every year, causing tens of thousands of fatalities. This makes it the snake responsible for more human deaths worldwide than any other species.
This nocturnal species grows to about 60cm long on average and prefers rocky, arid habitats. It has a fast acting hemotoxic venom that prevents blood from clotting and also contains cytotoxins that break down cells and tissues. Victims usually experience immediate and excruciating pain followed by swelling, bruising, bleeding, nausea, dizziness and fainting. Without medical treatment, the fatality rate is between 5-20%.
| Scientific Name | Echis carinatus |
| Average Length | 45-60 cm (1.5-2 ft) |
| Maximum Length | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| Average Weight | 100 g (3.5 oz) |
| Venom Toxicity (LD50) | 0.13 mg/kg |
| Geographic Range | Middle East, Central Asia |
| Habitat | Rocky deserts, scrublands, grasslands |
| Prey | Small mammals, lizards, frogs |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
The Saw Scaled Viper bites so many people because it is abundant across densely populated regions of South Asia and the Middle East. It is active at night when many people are walking around without shoes. Due to its small size, secretive nature and tendency to freeze instead of slither away when approached, humans often accidentally step on them or place a hand right near them, resulting in a defensive bite.
Although a highly dangerous snake, fatalities from Saw Scaled Viper bites can be minimized by seeking immediate medical treatment and antivenom. Avoiding them when active at night, wearing protective footwear, and not messing with them can help prevent being bitten.
4. Black Mamba
Last but certainly not least on this list of the world’s deadliest snakes is the iconic Black Mamba. Found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, the Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is the largest venomous snake in Africa, reaching lengths over 4m long, although 2.5-3m is more typical. It gets its name from the black coloration inside its mouth rather than its skin, which is actually grey to olive green.
The Black Mamba is legendary for its speed, aggressive defense, and highly potent venom. It is the fastest land snake in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 20 km/h. When threatened, it readily attacks and bites repeatedly, injecting large quantities of potent neuro- and cardiotoxins with each strike. Even with antivenom treatment, the fatality rate from a Black Mamba bite can be as high as 20%. Without antivenom, death typically occurs within 7-15 hours.
| Scientific Name | Dendroaspis polylepis |
| Average Length | 2-2.5 m (6.5-8 ft) |
| Maximum Length | 4.5 m (14 ft) |
| Average Weight | 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) |
| Venom Toxicity (LD50) | 0.32 mg/kg |
| Geographic Range | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Habitat | Savannas, woodlands, rocky hills |
| Prey | Birds, mammals, other snakes |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
Fortunately, the Black Mamba usually prefers to avoid humans and flees if given the chance. Most bites only happen when they are cornered or provoked. Still, this species is responsible for numerous snake bite fatalities every year due to its widespread distribution, highly toxic venom, and aggressive defense. Caution should be exercised in any area where Black Mambas are known to occur.
Conclusion
These 4 species are the deadliest snakes in the world based on their venom potency, aggression, speed, lethal kill rates, and number of human fatalities they cause each year. The Inland Taipan has the most toxic venom but few bites, while the Saw Scaled Viper and Eastern Brown Snakes are responsible for the highest human death toll globally. The Black Mamba is feared for its speed, aggression and potent neurotoxic venom. Avoiding encounters, not harassing or trying to kill them, wearing protective footwear in their habitats and seeking rapid medical treatment for bites is key to surviving these deadly serpents. While they demand great respect, snakes still play important roles in ecosystems around the world.
