Meet Some of the World’s Most Aggressive Snakes

Quick Take

• One snake on this list is responsible for more human deaths annually than any other species, and most people would probably not guess which one it is. Most deadly by death toll →
• Some snakes don't hold back venom during defensive bites, which is a fact that makes certain encounters far deadlier than others.
• A brooding mother snake becomes one of the most dangerous animals on earth, so committed to her nest that she won't even leave to eat. Dangerous brooding mothers →
• Speed, venom, and size don't always rank a snake as the most aggressive. What actually triggers these snakes to strike might surprise you. What triggers the taipan →

While not every snake that gets aggressive is deadly, venomous snakes can be some of the most aggressive. No matter how aggressive a snake is, they rarely attack unprovoked, but some have a shorter fuse than others. When a snake is shedding, it may be more aggressive than normal. That’s because the scales over its eyes are clouded during this process. Another common trigger is when it’s full from a large meal. It can’t get away fast, so it tends to lash out quicker. Other things can try a snake’s patience, and each snake is a little different. Every snake attack is a matter of last resort, but which ones are quickest to reach their limit? Find out which snakes are the most aggressive in the world.

1. Black Mamba

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is the fastest land snake in the world and is the second-longest venomous snake in the world. It can move up to 12mph, and its home is in South and East Africa. This snake is fearless when cornered and will not hesitate to defend itself. It also doesn’t reduce venom amounts in defensive attacks, so its highly toxic venom is always delivered with every bite.

Anyone that is not treated for a black mamba bite will die. It only takes a little bit of their venom to kill a human, and when they strike, they inject much more than is needed into the victim. These snakes may also attack repeatedly. Symptoms become severe very quickly, but there is an antivenom available.

The black mamba gets its name from its black mouth, which it shows when it’s upset. It opens its mouth and hisses while spreading out its neck when it feels threatened. It tries this first before using venom. Black mambas mainly eat galagos, bats, chickens, birds, and rats. They enjoy taking over termite mounds in forests and savannas.

2. Saw-Scaled Viper

The carpet viper, also called the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), is one of the most aggressive snakes on the planet, while also packing a venomous punch. This snake is so aggressive that it’s responsible for more human deaths annually than any other snake species. The venom is highly potent, and one bite can inject enough venom to pose an immediate threat if not treated quickly.

When the saw-scaled viper attacks, it springs from a coil. It’s hard to spot because it blends into its surroundings so well, and it also inhabits areas near human settlements, so encounters happen frequently. There is an antivenom available, so deaths are supposed to be rare. Their frequency makes them deadly, and it’s how the saw-scaled viper ended up on our list of the most aggressive snakes in the world.

The saw-scaled viper is found in central Asia and the Middle East and is centered on the Indian subcontinent. These snakes can be as long as 2.5 feet, but they usually are around 2 feet long. They are also nocturnal, though they are sometimes up during the day. They like the burrows of other animals, and they’ll also hide in the sand, leaving just their heads poking out.

3. Coastal Taipan

The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is like the black mamba in venom potency, shape, and size. It attacks its prey in much the same way as the black mamba, allowing the prey to walk around and die to avoid damage to itself. These snakes are found on part of the east and north coast of Australia, as well as New Guinea. They are very alert for snakes, and anything that is disturbing near them will provoke an attack. They bite multiple times per strike and inject an extremely toxic venom deep into the tissue.

This land snake is the third most venomous of its kind. It’s most active about midmorning, though it may become fully nocturnal during the hottest summer months. It likes to eat bandicoots, rats, mice, and birds when it gets the chance. The coastal taipan likes to cruise around with its head held up until it finds prey, then it holds still before it bounces toward the target and strikes. When it decides to bite, it inflicts multiple quick bites.

At an average length of 6-8 feet, the coastal taipan is second in line for the title of longest venomous snake in Australia. It inhabits sugarcane fields, open woodlands, and forests. Coastal taipans have highly venomous bites. One study showed that 35% of patients had spontaneous bleeding from the gums. Usually, with the assistance of ventilation, antivenom keeps the death toll to around 4.3% of victims.

4. South American Bushmaster Snake

The bushmaster snake (Lachesis muta) is one of the most aggressive snakes on the planet when it feels threatened. It is also extremely venomous. It is the largest pit viper in the world, reaching up to 12 feet, though it averages about 6.5 feet. In the Americas, this is the longest venomous snake that you can find.

This snake lives in the tropical equatorial rainforests east of the Andes, including the Amazon basin. It can sit in the same camouflaged place for days, waiting for a good opportunity to strike at prey. Fortunately, this snake is nocturnal, and since it lives outside cities, fortunately, human encounters are rare.

If disturbed, bushmaster snakes will strike out repeatedly and halfheartedly chase you when you run away. That isn’t to say that the snake puts up a chase. It just vehemently stands its ground. Mother bushmasters are especially dangerous. They lay eggs and incubate them. They don’t leave to feed and will be extremely aggressive if disturbed.