Watch the World’s Bravest Chameleon Bite a Venomous Snake

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When we think of South Africa, our minds go to the big game hunts. The fierce stand-off between a lion and a pack of hyenas, the incredible chase from a cheetah and an antelope, or the vicious fight between a crocodile and a wildebeest trying to cross the river. 

However, Africa has over 1,000 mammal species and 1,500 bird species. And these species include many more animals than just lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and crocodiles. In the video above, let’s see this fight between two small animals high up in a tree. 

Snake Vs. Chameleon Fight

The YouTube video posted at the beginning of this blog post brings us to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Latest Sightings YouTube page had this video sent to them by 62-year-old Brian Abrahamson, who was able to capture this interaction on camera during a safari. He offers his remarks on what happened on that safari below. 

The gentleman in the other vehicle waved us down and showed us a boomslang hunting a chameleon in a tree that was right next to the road.

Brave Chameleon Wards Off Boomslang

As the video starts, this safari tour has stopped to see this chase happening in a tree. A boomslang snake caught sight of a chameleon and started to give chase. This hunt would not have been visible if it weren’t for the chameleon. However, the chameleon’s bright skin allows him to be seen quite clearly. 

Indiana University says, “When they’re feeling excited, like when trying to fight off a competitor or attract a mate, the nanocrystals will move apart to form a loose lattice, showing off their brighter red and yellow colors.” 

The boomslang tries to take a few bites to subdue his prey. However, this chameleon refuses to give up and fights back, taking an enormous bite of this snake. 

What Do Boomslang Snakes Eat?

The family Colubridae’s Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is found solely in Africa. They are solitary animals that live the majority of their lives alone. As carnivores, they will eat a variety of meat. They will eat reptiles, frogs, birds, eggs, and even small mammals. 

Contrary to popular belief, not all snakes are venomous. It is important to know which snakes are venomous and which do not. Especially when interacting with them in the area you live or vacation in. The boomslang is a highly venomous snake! According to McGill University, “The venom of the boomslang snake was analyzed and it was revealed that boomslang venom is highly potent and primarily is a hemotoxin.” 

As we can see, this chameleon had every reason to be fearful of this predator. However, he knows that he lives in a fight-or-be-killed world, and he must choose to defend himself.