How to Identify a Green Mamba

The eastern green mamba is a close cousin to the world famous black mamba, and as such certainly has a very dangerous venomous bite. Identifying this venomous snake should only be done at a distance. Here is how to do so.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars
• A strong eye
• Knowledge of the snake

The Eastern Green Mamba

1. Notate that the green mamba is actually two different snakes with very similar characteristics. The eastern green mamba is the focus of this article, while the western green mamba is very similar. Both snakes have the capabilities to kill humans with a bite, but they are not as aggressive as the famous black mamba.

2. Remain close to the ground as you observe the eastern green mamba as it is a snake that you will find almost exclusively in the trees of Africa. This snake rarely goes to the ground except in pursuit of prey. As such, you will almost never spot one unless you look closely into the trees.

3. Act with care, as the eastern green mamba is the smallest of the mamba species and can be missed or mistaken for a vine. This snake grows to about 12 feet but most specimens will be around 6 feet in length. It is quite small in comparison to the deadly black mamba.

4. Compare the eastern mamba to other green tree snakes and you will see that the eastern green mamba is a glossy looking green color, with an underbelly that is bright green. If you see markings of any kind on a green snake, it is generally considered to be a different species than the green mamba. The tail of the green mamba is so thin it resembles a small whip.

5. Avoid coming near this deadly snake to observe the characteristics of the green mamba. The head of the green mamba is distinctive and houses a pair of small fangs that pack a mean punch. While not as deadly as the black mamba, the venom is similar. The smaller size means that less venom would be in the bite most often. Additionally, the green mamba is not particularly aggressive whereas the black mamba is fearsomely aggressive.

Tips & Warnings

• The green mamba is almost exclusively found in the trees.
• The green mamba has two types - Eastern and Western.
• The green mamba is not as aggressive as the black mamba
• While not as likely to bite as the black mamba, the bite from a green mamba is still considered an emergency and potentially fatal. Never try to handle or provoke a green mamba.