Key Points
- 3,500 species of snake exist on the planet, 600 of which are venomous.
- Venomous snakes range in size from tiny to quite large.
- The largest venomous snake can grow up to 18 feet in length.
Snakes are fascinating reptiles that come in a wide range of sizes and inhabit a wide range of habitats worldwide. Unfortunately, because some of them are venomous, they terrify many people. Of about 3,500 different kinds of snakes on the planet, around 600 are venomous. Most of them do not attack humans unless they are in danger and have no way to flee. However, itโs natural to wonder what the worldโs most venomous snakes are because they are the ones you want to avoid. Venomous snakes exist in a variety of sizes. Some of the worldโs deadliest snakes can grow to astonishing lengths and weights, making them even more terrifying. In this article, we will explore the 12 largest venomous snakes in the world.
The 12 Largest Venomous Snakes in the World
12. Yellow Sea Snakeย

ยฉJohn Fader/Shutterstock.com
Although reports say that these species can grow to an estimated length of 9 feet, most of the specimens caught are often 3 feet long. The yellow sea snake is the worldโs longest venomous sea snake, measuring between 3 and 5 feet. It is a member of the Elapidae family, which makes it closely related to cobras, kraits, coral snakes, King Cobras, and many Australian species. This snake can be found on dark, sandy ocean floors and live up to 50 meters beneath the waterโs surface, feeding largely on eels. Yellow sea snakes can be found in the northern Indian Ocean, New Caledonia, and Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, and New Guinea, among other places.
11. Gaboon Viper

ยฉDanita Delimont/Shutterstock.com
One of the largest venomous snakes on the planet, this snake is known for its beautiful pattern. The Gaboon viper is the worldโs largest venomous snake by weight. It usually reaches a length of 4 to 7 feet and can weigh up to 45 pounds. The Gaboon viper possesses one of the fastest strikes in the snake world and, considering its vast size, one of the most venomous loads. The Gaboon viper is also Africaโs largest viper. Though the viperโs typical food consists of small animals, it has been observed to consume a fully grown royal antelope.
10. Fer-de-Lance

ยฉMark_Kostich/Shutterstock.com
The fer-de-lance is one of South Americaโs largest snakes and one of the continentโs most venomous snakes and is accountable for the most snakebites. These snakes are frequently found near human settlements. Fortunately, scientists have found a highly effective anti-venom medication, and victims who are treated are more likely to live. Fer-de-lance snakes can grow to over 8 feet in length. These snakes can be found in the tropics of South America, particularly in Venezuela and southeastern Colombia. Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Brazil, Central America, and eastern Mexico are also home to this species.
9. Banded Kraitย

ยฉRealityImages/Shutterstock.com
The banded krait is a highly venomous species closely related to the cobra. Its venom is a neurotoxin that paralyzes its victims. The Southeast Asian banded krait can grow 6.6 feet (2 meters) long, while other species can grow more than a 3.2 feet long. The bodies of all of them feature a robust triangular cross-section. The snakeโs scales are smooth and shiny, and the vertebral ridge is evident.
8. Eastern Brown Snake

ยฉKen Griffiths/Shutterstock.com
The eastern brown snake can attack quickly and deliver a lethal dosage of venom. These snakes can be found in Australiaโs arid regions. They can thrive at high altitudes and are frequently attracted to farms. The eastern brown snake is a slim snake ranging from 4.9 to 6.6 feet, with some reaching up to 7 feet. They are considered Australiaโs most deadly snakes. Thatโs saying a lot, considering Australiaโs spiders, snakes, and other critters frequently make it to the lists of deadliest animals. Despite their toxicity, these serpents rarely come into contact with humans, making attacks extremely rare.
7. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

ยฉiStock.com/NajaShots
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the worldโs largest rattlesnake. Adults typically range from 4 to 5 feet long and weigh between 4 and 5 pounds. A large snake can grow to be six feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the longest venomous snake in North America. Theyโre also the worldโs longest rattlesnakes, so itโs no surprise that the largest rattlesnake ever discovered was an eastern diamondback. In 1946, a hunter shot an eastern diamondback that reached 7 feet and 9 inches in length and was only given the name Rutledge in the 1982 Guinness Book of World Records. His kill weighed 34 pounds, the equivalent of four gallons of milk. Another eastern diamondback rattlesnake, measuring 7 feet 3 inches long, was caught in September 2009. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens reported in February 2021 that it had a rattlesnake of a similar size.
6. Forest Cobra

ยฉNickEvansKZN/Shutterstock.com
Another of Africaโs longest venomous snakes is the forest cobra. Forest cobras, like their relatives, have a distinctive hood that they will raise and flaunt when threatened. Forest cobras can reach a length of 4.6 to 7.2 feet and a weight of 2,000 to 3,600 grams (4.4 to 7.9 lb), making them the largest true cobra. As their name implies, forest cobras reside in the woods and have been known to be incredible climbers. They can also swim extremely well and dine on fish found in woodland streams.
5. Inland Taipan

ยฉKen Griffiths/Shutterstock.com
The fierce snake, also known as the inland taipan, is very venomous, and the amount of venom it delivers in a single bite is enough to kill many humans. The inland taipan averages 5.9 feet in length, while larger specimens can exceed 8.2 ft. Because they are native to Australia, the only area you can constantly find fierce snakes is there. As frightening and venomous as it is, the vicious snake is also shy. It doesnโt spend much time around humans, preferring to live in distant areas where it wonโt be exposed to anyone.
4. King Brown Snake

ยฉKen Griffiths/Shutterstock.com
The king brown snake, Australiaโs largest venomous snake, can grow 6.6 to 8.2 feet long and weigh 6.6 to 13.2 lbs, with males being roughly 20% larger than females. The biggest confirmed specimen measured 11 feet. Although one of its common names is โKing brown snake,โ these arenโt โgenuineโ brown snakes like the eastern brown snakes found in the same region. They are members of the Pseudechis genus, which includes black snakes. Their common name is derived from their brownish coloring, which varies depending on where they are in their range, as it does with many other Australian venomous snakes.ย
3. Bushmasterย

ยฉiStock.com/reptiles4all
The bushmaster is a lovely snake with dark blotches or rhomboids over lighter colored, frequently beaded scales. However, it is just as lethal as it is attractive. Adults range in length from 6.6 to 9.8 ft (2 to 3 m), with some reaching 13 ft (4 m), making it the Western Hemisphereโs longest venomous snake. Bushmasters are the worldโs longest viper species. The South American bushmaster, specifically, is the worldโs largest viper species, with the greatest specimen reaching 12 feet in length. Theyโre endemic to central South America and the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Bushmasters can be found in both ancient and new growth forests and near farms. They typically hunt rodents, which unfortunately draws them to regions where humans are present.
2. Black Mamba

ยฉ131346563/Shutterstock.com
The black mamba is Africaโs longest venomous snake and the worldโs second-longest venomous snake. Black mambas are 6.6 to 14.8 feet long and weigh an average of 3.5 lbs. Black mambas are feared throughout their range for being extremely fast and lethal. They are among the quickest snakes on land, capable of slithering at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour despite their lack of legs. The black mamba is found in sub-Saharan Africaโs south and east. It prefers to make a permanent home, which it usually does in a termite mound. These snakes are rarely black, despite their name. Theyโre olive, brownish-gray, or khaki instead. The majority of black mamba snakes do not reach lengths of more than 9 feet, although unusual examples of snakes reaching 15 feet have been reported.
1. King Cobra

ยฉVova Shevchuk/Shutterstock.com
King cobras are the worldโs largest venomous snakes, at an average of 11 to 13 feet in length but can grow as long as 18 feet. They live in southeastern Asia, southern China, and India. Streams, woodlands, bamboo thickets, and marshes are all part of their habitat. This snake is a carnivore that feeds on snakes, birds, and lizards. In the wild, king cobras live for roughly 20 years. Their name refers to the fact that they are known to eat other snakes, including 10-foot pythons! There are no โKing Cobrasโ on the list regarding cobra species. They are relatives of the Naja snakes, and their name translates to โsnake eatersโ. The worldโs largest King Cobra, which reached 18.8 feet in length, was discovered during World War II.
Venomous Snake Bites
Reportedly about 5.4 million people are bitten venomous snakes each year. Out of these incidents, 2.5 million result in envenomation and 125,000 deaths. Any snake bite, even seemingly by a nonvenomous species, should be taken seriously. Always try to identify the snake before medical attention to receive proper care. Always seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Summary: 12 Largest Venomous Snakes
Index | Species | Size | |
1 | King Cobra | ||
2 | Black Mamba | ||
3 | Bushmaster | 6.6 โ 9.8 feet | South America |
4 | King Brown Snake | 6.6 โ 8.2 feet | Australia |
5 | Inland Taipan | 5.9 โ 8.2 feet | Australia |
6 | Forest Cobra | 4.6 โ 7.2 feet | Central and Western Africa |
7 | Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake | 4 โ 5 feet | Southeastern United States |
8 | Eastern Brown Snake | 4.9 โ 6 feet | Australia |
9 | Banded Krait | Over 3.2 feet (Southeast Asian banded krait โ 6.6 feet) | Southeast Asia and Southern China. |
10 | Fer-De-lance | Over 8 feet | Venezuela, Southeastern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Northern Brazil, Central America, and Eastern Mexico |
11 | Gaboon Viper | 4 โ 7 feet | Central and pockets of Southeastern Africa |
12 | Yellow Sea Snake | 3 โ 5 feet | The northern Indian Ocean, New Caledonia, and Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, and New Guinea |
Discover the "Monster" Snake 5X Bigger than an Anaconda
Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free.
Up Next:
More from A-Z Animals
The Featured Image

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.