- Venomous snakes have special glands and teeth designed to inject venom into their prey.
- There are around 700 different species of venomous snakes.
- Around 250 of these are capable of killing a human with one bite.
- As well as for attacking prey, snakes also use venom in self defence.
- The most common way to effectively treat venomous snake bites is with anti-venom.
- Snake venom can contain neurotoxins that attack the nervous system.
- Taipans are large Australian snakes that have high levels of venom.
- Australian brown snakes are highly dangerous and easily alarmed.
- Sea snakes are some of the most venomous in the world.
- Coral snakes are highly venomous but not usually aggressive, only biting as a last resort.
- Vipers have long, hollow fangs used to inject venom.
- When cobras are threatened they rear up and flatten their necks to appear larger.
- The King Cobra is the longest snake in the world with the ability to inject venom. They can grow up to 5.6 m (18.5 ft) in length.
- Rattlesnakes get their name from the rattle at the end of their tails. The snake shakes the rattle to warn or scare away predators.
- The most common snake bites in North America are from rattlesnakes.
- Black mambas get their name because of the black color inside their mouth.
- Black mambas are the fastest snake in the world.
- NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant is nicknamed the ‘Black Mamba’