The gaboon viper is one of the most deadly and gorgeous snakes in all of Africa. It is generally found in central Africa, and favors the tropical rain forest floor. While the gaboon viper is generally docile, it has the equipment and the potential to kill a human with a single bite. The snake is heavy, weighing in at up to 18 pounds, and grows to a length of up to 7 feet. It has a very interesting pattern of splotches mixed with brown, black, tan, and white. This coloration allows the gaboon viper to blend in with its surroundings well. Here are 10 unusual facts about the gaboon viper.
1 – The gaboon viper has a head that looks much like a leaf. Camouflage is a very important weapon in the gaboon viper’s arsenal and the head of this snake is one of the best examples. While its body is multicolored, the head is generally tan and in the shape of a triangle. It is a master of positioning itself perfectly still, and blending in with the ground and leaves around it. Prey sometimes will crawl right on top of the gaboon viper before realizing it’s deadly mistake.
2 – Female gaboon vipers are viviparous. This means that the gaboon viper bears its babies alive, and they tend to have around 50 babies per pregnancy.
3 – The gaboon viper is armed with the longest fangs of any snake in the world. The fangs of the gaboon viper have been known to exceed two full inches. Keep in mind that this is per fang. Ouch!
4 – The gaboon viper is a sit and wait predator. As mentioned before, the gaboon viper is a master of camouflage and it uses this better than most snakes. The gaboon viper will sit along some known vermin trail and patiently wait for supper to come to it. Once it happens by, the snake will strike with ferocity.
5 – The gaboon viper does not let go after the bite. This is a fairly unusual method among venomous snakes. Usually, only the larger boas and pythons bite and hold on as they tend to wrap the prey. The gaboon viper however holds on until the prey is dead. This can be a problem when a human is bitten as the chance of heavy doses of venom being delivered is high.
6 – The gaboon viper is generally sluggish and docile. Some people that have been around the gaboon viper, say that it is tough to even wake up this snake during its sleep. The gaboon viper is certainly more docile than most poisonous snakes, but this does not mean that it is not dangerous. Once it decides to bite, it strikes with unreal speed and accuracy.
7 – As the gaboon viper grows older, it develops rostral horns on its nose. These “horns” give the snake a very ominous look, and can grow quite large.
8 – When threatened, the gaboon viper makes a large hiss. In spite of the intimidating stature of this reptile, it is warning you to get away, much like the rattle of a rattlesnake. Unlike a rattlesnake, the gaboon viper will stay completely still while hissing.
9 – The gaboon viper is the largest of all true vipers. With the crown of the largest viper in the World, and the largest fangs in the World, the gaboon viper is truly a memorable snake to see.
10 – The gaboon viper can swallow a rabbit whole with ease. Though the gaboon viper is capable of growing up to seven feet, the majority are in the 4-6 foot range. This does not stop this huge venomous snake from swallowing a rabbit whole in the least.
There you have it! Ten unusual facts about one of the most fascinating snakes on the planet. The gaboon viper of Africa.
