Snakes get a bad rap. In stories, they’re often portrayed as crafty, or even evil — and almost always as dangerous or deadly to humans.
In reality, many snakes are harmless, and even beneficial to humans.
But we aren’t talking about those snakes today.
Today we’re focusing on the snakes that deserve their reputation. Ounce for ounce, the venom from these snakes packs more of a lethal punch than any other members of the serpent kingdom.
So lace up your sturdiest bite-proof boots, grab your vial of antivenom, and read on.
image: Peter Woodard
#5: Eastern Brown Snake
In Australia, this deadly snake is responsible for more than half of all recorded snakebite deaths, mostly from internal bleeding and cardiac arrest.
Its venom is incredibly potent — as little as 3 mg can kill an average human — and it typically hunts in densely populated areas where it is more likely to run into humans .
image: Claire Goiran
#4: Dubois’s Sea Snake
This snake causes very few human deaths — but not because it couldn’t. The Dubois’s Sea Snake’s venom is extremely dangerous, and a single bite would almost certainly be deadly.
But from its home in the coral reef flats of the Coral Sea, the Arafura Sea, the Timor Sea, and the Indian Ocean, it simply doesn’t encounter many humans. Lucky us.
image: Jean-Francois Trape
#3: Forest Cobra
This African cousin of the famous King Cobra may be lesser known, but it’s even more deadly. Not only is its venom potent, but it delivers an average of 570 mg per bite — enough to kill 65 adult humans.
Fortunately, these 10-foot-long serpents prefer to stay in forests, rivers, and grasslands, far from humans.
image: Hal Cogger
#2: Coastal Taipan
Native to northern and eastern Australia, this land snake has beautiful olive or reddish-brown coloring and grows to an average length of more than 6 feet. A single bite from the Coastal Taipan delivers enough venom to kill more than 50 people.
The fast-acting venom contains neurotoxins capable of causing serious issues such as respiratory paralysis — even in people who have received treatment within two hours of being bitten!
image: Ryan Francis
#1: Inland Taipan
Just how potent is the venom from the world’s deadliest snake? A single bite delivers just 44-110 mg of venom, but that small amount is enough to kill nearly 300 full-grown humans!
Additionally, the Inland Taipan strikes quickly and repeatedly, with as many as eight bites in a single attack.
That said, the Inland Taipan is relatively docile, and tends to stay as far away from humans as possible. And that’s perfectly fine with us.
Do snakes deserve their bad reputation, or are they just misunderstood? Let us know what you think!
Nagamani Cobra Ring
$29.99
The Nagamani, or snake-stone, is a fabled gem said to have special powers, and were used by early Celts for protection against evil. Other cultures in Africa, Asia and South America use them for their healing properties. Snake lovers who… SEE MORE
Slithering Snake Ear Cuffs
$19.99
$24.99
This beautiful and intricately crafted snake ear cuff is designed to be securely tucked behind different sized ears, even without any piercings. Check out a video of the ear cuff being worn!Material: Zinc Alloy, RhinestonesSize: 11.0 x 3.2 cm (4.3" x 1.2")… SEE MORE
Krait Earrings
$19.99
$24.99
These slithering krait earrings are an eye-catching addition to any outfit! A great addition to any snake fan's accessory collection. Material: Zinc Alloy, Resin Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout Process is Guaranteed to be 100% Safe and… SEE MORE
Coiling Snake Choker
$21.99
$29.99
Make a serpentine fashion statement with this elegant snake choker!Made with crystal rhinestones, this flexible choker can be adjusted to fit around different size necks. A great gift for snake-lovers, loved ones, or yourself. Material: Zinc Alloy, Crystal Rhinestone Click ADD TO… SEE MORE