Snakes and serpents have been used as a symbol of medicine, fertility and rebirth, because of the shedding of their skin. This signifies transformation and a continual renewal of life.
Through literature, like the Bible, many believed they also represent evil, because of its nature to deceive and outwit humans.
But snakes, just like any other animals in the world, are more than what they look to be. There are snakes suited for reptile lovers, while some are too dangerous to handle.
With more than 3,000 species of snakes all over the world, there are only 200 of them who could damage or kill humans, according to a report by the World Health Organization.
In honor of today’s Serpent Day, take a look at five of the world’s most dangerous snakes:
King cobra
Reaching up to 18 feet in length, a king cobra is the longest of all venomous snakes. This specie of snake could raise its body up to one-third and will probably move forward and attack you, once cornered.
Their venom, though not the most deadly, could kill up to 20 people or one adult elephant in a single bite.
Tiger snake
Most tiger snakes are known for their black and yellow cross bands. They could often be found within water perimeters, such as creeks, wetlands and swamps.
Tiger snakes prey on fishes, frogs to mammals and their size varies on what they eat.
Just like the king cobra, tiger snakes are shy, but if cornered and provoked, they would hiss loudly, lash out and bite the attacker.
Saw-scaled viper
Though their venoms are not as deadly as the other snake species, saw-scaled vipers are responsible for most of human deaths compared to others combined.
This is because they are often found in crowded and human-populated areas in some parts of India and Middle East.
Black mamba
Black mamba is considered the world’s deadliest snake. They are also considered one of the fastest snakes as they slither up to 12.5 miles per hour.
When cornered, black mambas display their blue-black color mouth to look to intimidate the attacker. If attacked, this snake will strike repeatedly, injecting lethal venom in each attack inside the attacker’s body.
Inland taipan
Dubbed one of the deadliest snakes in the world, inland taipan’s single bite could kill a human being in less than an hour. Their venom causes hemorrhaging in the blood vessels and muscle tissues that kills immediately.
(References: NatGeo, Livescience)
