The snake's typical size is about 1.0 m (39.3 in) in total length (body and tail) and very stout. Large specimens of 190 cm (75 in) total length, weighing over 6.0 kg (13.2 lb) and with a girth of 40 cm (16 in) have been reported. … See more

Mostly nocturnal, they rarely forage actively, preferring, instead, to ambush prey as it happens by. Their prey includes mammals (rodents [ See more

These snakes do well in captivity, but gluttony has been reported. Kauffeld (1969) mentions that specimens can be maintained for years on only one meal per week, but that when … See more

This species may be the most common and widespread snake in Africa. It is found in most African regions, stretching to the Cape of Good Hope See more

Normally a sluggish species, the puff adder relies on camouflage for protection. Locomotion is primarily rectilinear, using the broad ventral scales in a caterpillar fashion and aided by its own weight for traction. When agitated, it can resort to a typical serpentine … See more

Females produce a pheromone to attract males, which engage in neck-wrestling combat dances. A female in Malindi was followed by seven … See more

This species is responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other African snake, due to a combination of factors, including its wide … See more