puff adder snake most dangerous

The Puff Adder, bitis ariens, is considered Africa’s most dangerous snake. Its widespread habitat, large fangs, potent venom, mean disposition and willingness to bite are the reasons why this snake is responsible for more fatalities than any other snake in Africa. It can be mainly found throughout southern Africa, except in true deserts and dense forests. They thrive in rocky grasslands.

Read more at Suite101: The Puff Adder: Africa's Most Dangerous Snake http://www.suite101.com/content/the-puff-adder-a36056#ixzz153EFRAdi
Adders are nocturnal and eat rodents, birds, amphibians, lizards and small mammals. Their enemies include man, badgers, warthogs, other snakes and some birds of prey.

Morphology
The average length for the puff adder is approximately one meter. They can weigh up to six kilograms and can have quite a wide girth. Males tend to be larger than the females and have longer tails. Color patterns on this snake vary by the geography it inhabits. All species have dark bands around the eyes
Behavior
This snake is a rather sluggish snake that doesn’t move fast. As a result, it relies on camouflage to hide itself. Its ability to hide in its surroundings explains why it’s reluctant to move and why so many individuals get bitten. When it does move, it moves in a fashion similar to the way caterpillars move. Although slow, they are very quick when it comes to attacking for food or prey. If disturbed the snake will hiss loudly and form a tight coil, holding its head in an ‘S’ shaped position. This enables the snake to strike sideways or forward with lightening speed. The fangs tend to be long and have the ability to penetrate soft leather. Puff adders additionally are good swimmers and climbers.



Read more at Suite101: The Puff Adder: Africa's Most Dangerous Snake http://www.suite101.com/content/the-puff-adder-a36056#ixzz153EPIwdO
Read more at Suite101: The Puff Adder: Africa's Most Dangerous Snake http://www.suite101.com/content/the-puff-adder-a36056#ixzz153EK0bSE
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