In Africa, wild animals and humans alike steer clear of the black mamba. One of the longest and deadliest venomous snakes in the world, it will chase down prey at amazing speeds. Few victims can escape this predator's speedy pursuit-even humans have been chased by mambas. The black mamba's venom can paralyze and kill in less than a minute.
Black Hole: When threatened, the black mamba opens its jaws and hisses loudly. This also reveals the pitch black inside of the snake's mouth, which is meant to startle enemies--and which gave the snake its name.
Hang On: Many snakes let go of their prey after they strike to avoid breaking their fangs. The black mamba, however, pumps enough venom into smaller victims to paralyze them before they can do any damage.
One Speedy Snake[]
The mamba surprises attackers when it reveals its black mouth.
The black mamba is known for its persistence in chasing after prey, or any enemies that disturb it. This snake can slither through tall grass or even over rough terrain at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. When it catches up with the victim, the black mamba may bite several times and inject more than enough venom to kill even large mammals.
Hood Open: Black mambas are cousins to the hooded cobras that live in Asia and Africa. The mamba can open a small hood around its neck when trying to intimidate an intruder.
Hidden Branch: The mamba is known to take a break from hunting and to slither up into a tree to bask in the sun and rest. Black mambas, along with all other snakes, convert heat from the sun into energy.
No Soccer Fan[]
- While sun bathing behind a termite mound near an African village, a black mamba is roused from its rest by the noises of a group of teenagers playing soccer. The snake watches the kids closely to determine if they're a threat.
- When one of the kids runs to the termite mound to fetch his ball, the mamba feels threatened. The snake rears six feet of its body into the air. The soccer player runs, but may be in trouble if the snake decides to chase him.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- A given due to their common name, the Black Mamba shares it's Genus, Dendroaspis, with Green Mamba.
- The black mamba shares its knowledge card number with it's card in the Wildlife Explorer series.
- The black mamba is featured in On Your Mark... on Monster Mania 42.
- The Black Mamba is Africa's biggest venomous snake, and second in the world only to the King Cobra.
- Black Mambas are named for the black interior of their mouths. Their scale color is usually gray to grayish brown.
- Being related to cobras, black mambas happen to have a small hood they can spread out.