15+ Interesting Facts About Black Mamba Snakes

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  1. Black, or black-mouthed, mambas are one of the four species of mamba snakes. They live in tropical rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.
  2. The black mamba is the longest venomous snake in Africa. It can reach up to 14 feet, with an average length of over 8 feet.
  3. The skin color of black mambas is from grey to dark brown. Their most distinguishing feature is the black color inside their mouth. Other mamba snakes have white mouths.
  4. Unlike other mamba snakes that spend most of their time on trees, black mambas are primarily terrestrial (live on land). They live inside termite mounds and tree holes.
  5. The black mamba is the fastest snake on land. It can achieve a speed of 19 km/h (12 mph) over level ground. (Source) 
    A black mamba snake on branches
    Black mamba is the fastest snake on land and contains powerful venom

  6. A black mamba strikes its victim multiple times. Its venom affects both the nervous and cardiac systems. The affected person can die within 20 minutes in the absence of anti-venom.
  7. According to a study, the venom of black mamba contains a potent painkiller. Proteins (mambalgins) in this venom work like morphine but produce fewer side effects. Therefore, it can replace morphine if advanced research proves successful. (Source)
  8. Like many other snakes, black mambas are diurnal. They hunt during the daytime.
  9. Black mambas can live for more than 11 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
  10. Black mambas are the deadliest snakes in Africa. They contain potent venom that needs immediate anti-venom treatment. However, most of its victims are in remote locations with few medical facilities. Even the survivors of black mamba strikes suffer lasting physical and mental complications.
  11. Black mambas mate during the spring or summer season. Male black mambas usually fight for females, which is mistaken as mating. A female lays 6 to 20 eggs in a clutch.
  12. Black mambas usually hunt and eat small animals, including rats, squirrels, and birds. Sometimes, they also eat forest cobras and other snakes.
  13. Despite having a large size and powerful venom, black mambas have several predators. These include Mozambique spitting cobras, crocodiles, mongooses, etc.
  14. They are one of the most feared snakes in Africa due to their lethal venom. However, they are not aggressive and try to escape from humans. They only attack if threatened or cornered.
  15. Black mambas can also swim. They use this ability to cross rivers and other water bodies.
  16. Female black mambas lay eggs in termite mounds or holes over rotten plants. Mother snakes leave eggs immediately and the newborn mambas born and live independently. They get venom soon after birth, enabling them to hunt and get food without assistance.

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