How to Identify the Deadly Gaboon Viper in the Wild

The deadly gaboon viper of Africa is one of the most beautiful snakes on the planet. It also is a master of staying hidden due to coloration and its slow nature. Due to this, the gaboon viper can easily be misidentified or go unseen with deadly consequences. This article is a guide to recognizing and identifying the gaboon viper in the wild.

Instructions

1. The gaboon viper blends in beautifully with the floor of the African jungles that it inhabits. This is due to the fact that the gaboon viper has brown, black, and tan splotches and looks much like the leaves that often surround it. The head of the gaboon viper, while huge, can particularly seem a part of the jungle floor. Missing this deadly reptile can be a final mistake for a clumsy human as the bite is deadly.

2. Due to the capabilities of staying out of sight, the gaboon viper is a reptile that lies in wait for its prey in the wild. It will sit perfectly still along a known trail, and wait for prey to come walking along. When it comes close enough, the gaboon viper strikes with the longest fangs of any known snake in the world and does not let go generally. The gaboon viper has fangs that sometimes exceed 2 full inches in length.

3. The gaboon viper grows up to 7 feet long and uses this length to its full advantage when striking. While not the fastest striker among snakes, it is close. This snake has a ferocious and deadly bite speed. Do not come close to this snake in the wild or you will find yourself on the receiving end of a horrible bite.

4. The gaboon viper also weighs in at a hefty 18 pounds--not bad for a snake that only runs about 7 feet in length. A gaboon viper often appears bloated due to the fact that it is such a thick snake.

5. Because it is a viper, and it houses 2-inch fangs and huge venom glands, the gaboon viper sports a large flat head that is shaped much like a triangle. The jaws of this snake open incredibly wide to allow for the fangs and to swallow its prey more effectively. You do not want to be near the open mouth of the gaboon viper, however.

Tips & Warnings

• This snake hides well among the leaves of the jungle floor and is deadly. It should be left alone.

• If you are ever near a gaboon viper, back away. The gaboon viper is one of the worst bites you could ever receive.