Facts About Black Mambas

The black mamba is the fastest land snake in the world, capable of short bursts up to about 12.5 miles per hour (20 km/h) over open ground, though it can't sustain that pace for long.

Its venom is a fast-acting mix of neurotoxins and cardiotoxins that attacks the nervous system and heart, and it can deliver enough venom in one bite to kill several adult humans without antivenom.

Despite its name, the black mamba isn't black at all — its scales are usually gray, olive, or brownish. The name comes from the inky black interior of its mouth, which it flashes as a warning.

It's Africa's longest venomous snake, typically reaching 8 feet on average but capable of growing to around 14 feet in exceptional cases; only the king cobra is longer among the world's venomous snakes.

Black mambas are skilled climbers and are often found in trees and rocky outcrops, though they spend most of their time on the ground near a favored den or retreat.

They have a fast metabolism and are highly active foragers, moving frequently in search of prey such as rodents, birds, and other small vertebrates.

When threatened, a black mamba will raise the front third of its body, spread a narrow hood, open its black mouth, and hiss loudly before striking — but it prefers to escape rather than confront a threat.

Black mambas are diurnal hunters, active mostly during the day and relying on excellent eyesight to track prey; they typically retreat to a den at night rather than hunting after dark.

During the breeding season, male black mambas wrestle each other in ritual combat, twisting and pushing to determine which male gets to mate with a nearby female.

In the wild, black mambas commonly live around 11 years, with some individuals surviving longer; in captivity they can live past 20 years.

The black mamba's scientific name is Dendroaspis polylepis, meaning 'tree asp with many scales,' a nod to its climbing ability and finely scaled skin.

Black mambas are found across savanna, woodland, and rocky hill habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, from Kenya and Ethiopia down to South Africa and Namibia.

Female black mambas lay 6 to 17 eggs at a time, usually in a termite mound, hollow tree, or similar hidden spot, and provide no parental care after laying.