What is a BLACK MAMBA?

Introduction

A Black Mamba is a snake. It can move a whole herd of large animals, and it only has to lift its head up and open Its mouth. Black Mambas are the largest venomous snake in Africa.

What is a Black Mamba’s Appearance?

The Black Mamba gets its name because when it opens its mouth, it shows inky black gums. Black Mambas have a rectangular shaped head, which is sometimes called a Coffin-Head. The Black Mamba's long mouth seems to smile at you. Don’t be fooled! Black Mambas can grow to be 14 feet (427 cm), but the more average size is 8.2 feet (250 cm).

How Dangerous is a Black Mamba?

Without treatment, Black Mamba bites are 100% fatal. A Black Mamba's fast acting venom can kill a human in 20-30 minutes. Black Mambas have two fangs that are 6.5 mm long, and they release deadly venom. When Black Mambas bite their prey, they wait for it to die and then eat it whole.

How Fast is a Black Mamba?

Black Mambas hold a world record of being the fastest snake. They can slither up to 12 mph (20km/h). So an average person can’t run away for very long. Only Olympians can run this fast!.

Are There Other Names For A Black Mamba?

Black Mambas have other names. They are also known as Black Mouthed Mambas, Southern Brown Mamba, The Swart Mamba, Imamba Emnyama, Mokwepa, Khangala, Mamba Ya Ntima, Hangara, and The Death Kisser.

How Long Can a Black Mamba Live?

Black Mambas can live about 11 years in the wild. Ones in captivity can live to be more than 20 years old.

What Does a Black Mamba Eat?

Black Mambas mostly eat smaller mammals such as mice, squirrels, rats, and birds. They have been found to feed on other snakes like the forest cobra

Conclusion

Now, you may know that Black Mambas are very dangerous. Not many people can outrun them. So, I hope you found this helpful!

Black Mamba showing inky black gums to warn off predators.

Black Mamba trying to be intimidating.

Black mamba ready to strike at a predator.

Black Mamba eating a mouse.

Black Mamba smelling around for food with their tongue.

Black Mamba hiding in a tree.

Visit these sources to find more information:

Websites about Black Mambas:

Books about Black Mambas and more:

  • Zoobooks SNAKES by John Bonnett Wexo

  • Snakes by Rachel Firth and Jonathan Sheikh-Miller

Go to Mr. Beekman's Class Website to check out more Big Question Projects...