The Gaboon viper can be called a "super snake." The serpent's fangs and doses of venom outrank every other snake in the world. It also holds the record as the heaviest venomous snake on the planet. Big and deadly, it has strikingly beautiful colors that blend so well in its habitat that it is almost impossible to see.
Fang-tastic: The viper's fangs are the longest found on any snake, measuring up to 2 inches long. The snake also releases the largest amount of venom per bite-10 times the amount that is needed to kill a human.
Hidden Danger: The color and pattern on the viper's skin blend in perfectly with leaf litter on the ground in its rainforest home. Most victims don't see this stealthy snake until it strikes-and then it's too late.
Killer Coil[]
The viper opens wide to swallow prey.
The Gaboon viper's venom kills most animals in an instant. Toxins in the venom called hematoxins speed through the victim's bloodstream and rip blood cells and body tissues apart as they go, causing excruciating pain. In addition, neurotoxins from the venom paralyze the prey's nervous system so it cannot run or struggle.
Concealed Weapons: The Gaboon viper's large head is flat and triangular and hard to see when it hides among the leaves on the forest floor. Horns at the tip of the nose look like leaf edges and add to the viper's great camouflage.
No Snacking: With the ability to kill and swallow prey as big as a young antelope, the Gaboon viper doesn't have to eat very often. After a large meal, the snake may not ambush another victim for several months.
Lethal Shot[]
- At rest, the viper's fangs fold backward in its mouth and are covered by fleshy sleeves so the snake doesn't accidentally bite through its lower jaw.
- When it's time to strike, the snake opens it mouth wide so the fangs fold out and the sleeves retract, making the deadly weapons very visible.
- The viper's long fangs are hollow so when they're embedded in prey, the snake pumps a huge dose of its lethal venom through them like hypodermic needles.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The Gaboon Viper shares it's genus name, Bitis, with the Rhinoceros Viper and Puff Adder.
- The gaboon viper is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first featured in Who Am I? on Monster Mania 11.
- It is later featured as part of one of the example creatures in Create-A-Monster on Monster Mania 36.
- It is once again featured in Record Setters on Monster Mania 61.