Speaking of Gaboon Viper, The National Geographic describes it as the longest and heaviest snake in the Viper family living on the African continent. These vipers are lethargic and solitary ambush hunters.
Their notably thick appearance around the body, their triangle-shaped head and the set of extended scales which have the appearance of horns, as well as their striking pattern, make them excellent in camouflage in the snake’s native habitat, helping it blend into the leaf litter on the forest floor. Gaboon Vipers truly are the masters of disguise.
Being nocturnal snakes, they usually wait for their pray when the sun sets hidden among the leaves. They have huge appetites and often feast on huge prays such as full-grown monkeys, rabbits, and more.
Their poisonous venom causes severe tissue damage, leading to excruciating pain, and if left untreated, can be potentially fatal in consequence.
The good thing is that cases of humans being bitten by these snakes are pretty rare. Gaboon Viper are known for their non-aggressive behavior. They avoid contact with humans and remain in remote habitats. The few cases of human encounters with these vipers are reported when someone accidentally stepped on them.
If anti-venom is not applied, these encounters can have fatal consequences. When they attack someone, they have unique ability to hold onto the pray and let large quantities of venom to be released into the bloodstream of their prey.
Although Africa is their natural habitat, there are cases of Americans keeping them as pets due to their striking looks.
A man from Virginia was keeping this venomous viper in his home but got bitten by it in 2022. He was quickly transported to Richmond Hospital and admitted to the emergency room. Sadly, they had ran out of anti-venom which had been provided to them by the Smithsonian National Zoo, but luckily, they were able to acquire 35 bottles of anti-venom to assist in the treatment by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach.
Previously, another Gaboon Viper owner from North Carolina was also bitten by his pet and needed 45 vials of anti-venom, but sadly, he lost several fingers along the way.
A video of this snake emerged online back in 2021, and it could be seen on the streets. People were stunned by its looks and many agreed that its camouflage skills were impressive to say the least. It resembled a caterpillar.
These vipers, whose life span is around 20 years, have the incredible ability to adapt, survive, and thrive in the African rainforest.
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