The Gaboon viper ( Bitis gabonica ) is an adorably rotund specimen , growing up to1.8 meters ( 6 feet)in length with an impressive cinch . Weighing inbetween 7 - 10 kilograms ( 15.4 - 22 pound ) , they are the heaviest African venomous snake and the largest member of theBitisgenus of vipers . They reside in the rainforests and woodlands of many countries in Sub - Saharan Africa .
While the Gaboon viper ’s bulk may be impressive , what may be more impressive are its fangs . They keep back the world disk for thelongest fangs of any ophidian , measuring 5 centimeters ( 2 column inch ) . These formidable Fang also inject up to2 grams(0.07 ounces ) of venom per bite , the largest fruit of all poisonous snakes . These bites can be fatal to humans , with outcome including vesiculation , heart and tissue equipment casualty , blood not clotting , and necrosis .
With a drumhead resembling afallen folio , this nocturnal viper blends into the forest floor while it lie in hold for unfortunate fair game to wander by . A passive hunting watch , the Gaboon viper usuallyambushessmall mammals , birds , toad frog , and anuran . However , single specimens of these predominate reptile have been identified as ingesting hedgehog and antelopes .
Despite a large size of it and fierce bite , the Gaboon viper is actually a gentle behemoth with a equable nature . The snakes give out a warning hiss before striking if they are bothered . Theyrarely bitehumans , with most morsel recorded coming from engrossed specimens . Onereportfrom South Korea in 2018 identify a man seize with teeth by his 1.3 - time - long ( 4.26 foot ) pet Gaboon viper . The snake was bribe on the cyberspace and think to have been smuggle into the country from Africa . The human beings whole recovered , however , photo of his hurt service as a word of advice to be careful with these Snake River , no matter how laid - back they typically are .
