The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa, guaranteed to strike fear into most people. This snake's fast acting neurotoxic and cardio toxic venom is so potent that, without immediate, good first aid, it can kill a person in under 7 hours.
Most black mamba bites are accidental, as mambas do not attack unless molested -- they are far more inclined to flee. They do however react quickly to what they perceive to be an invasion of their privacy. Because they rear up to strike, their bite is apt to be on the upper body or head.
Black mambas often enter houses and out buildings, and are then particularly dangerous. They normally live either in a hole in the ground -- usually an abandoned termite mound or the burrow of one of the small mammals -- or in a hollow tree or rock crevice.
Mambas are usually up and about at first light, and after some time hunting for rats, dassies, squirrels or small gamebirds. They ascend large, leafy trees to sunbathe, retreating to the shady parts as the day gets hotter.
When hunting, mambas course through the grass with the forepart of the body raised in a graceful curve, and can travel at a maximum speed of 15 km/h.
The female lays her eggs in midsummer, and the hatchlings are as retiring, nervous and as poisonous as adults.
Mambas are found mainly in the tropical and bushveld areas of central and northern Namibia, eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, western; northern and eastern Transvaal, Swaziland, eastern KZN and Transkei.
Black mambas can grow up to 3,5 m
The black mamba colour variations are: greyish green, olive green, grey brown or gunmetal grey. The Underside is pale grey or grey green, and the inside of the mouth is blackish, giving rise to its name.
The black mamba is most like the grey brown to blockish forms of the Egyptian cobra, particularly Anchieta's cobra, but do not have a typically cobra like hood when threatened, or the dark brown and black band across the throat.
The habitat is subtropical and tropical open bush country.
Best places to see the Black Mamba in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Snakes of Southern Africa >> Printable Snake List <<
South African Snakes >> Printable Snake List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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