Boomslang

The Boomslang is a tree dweller that is found throughout southern and sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits wooded grasslands and the adult snake averages between 4 to 6 feet in length. Their diet consists mainly of small lizards and birds. If agitated, the Boomslang moves quickly and will inflate its neck to double its normal size right before striking its victim. Equipped with stereoscopic vision, the Boomslang hunts during the day in its arboreal territory.

The Boomslang excretes a powerful venom through rear fangs located beneath the eye area. This snake is deadly because of its preference for aerial positioning in tree top and shrub cover. Hard to see in the thick forested cover of the savanna, the Boomslang Snake is well camouflaged and strikes without giving any warning signal.

The Boomslang delivers a potent hemotoxic venom to its victim through large, deeply grooved folded fangs positioned in the rear of its mouth The hemotoxic venom delivered by the Boomslang, affects the circulatory system destroying red blood cells, causing organ degeneration and generalized tissue damage. Bites cause intense pain, swelling and necrosis even when delivered in small amounts. In addition, the bite causes severe bleeding, continuing for extended periods, even 24-48 hours after the bite, making the Boomslang very dangerous to man. The bite can be fatal if left untreated quickly with antivenin.