It turned out to be a Gaboon viper. To this day, I thank my lucky stars I didn’t linger.
Had I paused or reached toward it, I might not be here to tell the story.
The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa —
and the world’s heaviest venomous snake. With an almost supernatural
camouflage, it blends perfectly into forest floors, hiding in plain sight among fallen leaves.
Most people never see it until it’s too late.
Some chilling facts:
Size: Up to 2 meters long
Weight: As much as 8 kilograms
Fangs: The longest of any snake — up to 5 cm
Venom: Capable of destroying tissue and causing life-threatening clotting
Temperament: Calm and motionless unless stepped on or provoked — then it strikes with deadly precision
Diet: Hunts small mammals and birds, and can even swallow hedgehogs or small antelope whole
Despite its power, it’s not aggressive toward humans. Most bites are accidental
— a step in the wrong place. And if bitten, without immediate antivenom, survival is unlikely.
I was lucky. One more step, one moment of curiosity — and this close encounter could’ve ended in tragedy.
Related Posts
admin
·
January 13, 2026
·
Tiffani Thiessen brought life to Kelly Kapowski, the all-American girl next door and Bayside High’s ultimate sweetheart. Kelly was a cheerleader, a good student, and a kind-hearted…
admin
·
January 13, 2026
·
In Los Angeles, a recent confirmation involving longtime television host Pat Sajak quickly drew national attention. Known to generations of viewers for his decades-long role on Wheel of…
admin
·
January 13, 2026
·
Sean Swayze, the younger brother of late Hollywood star Patrick Swayze, has died at 63. His death adds another painful chapter to a family history that has…
admin
·
January 12, 2026
·
Prince Harry’s actions following his departure from his family have affected his relationship with the Firm. In an attempt to protect his wife from the pressure and…
admin
·
January 12, 2026
·
Spencer and Monique Tepe. Credit: Facebook/Heather Conrad In the same Columbus home where they were wed and raising their two young children, Spencer and Monique Tepe were…
admin
·
January 12, 2026
·
When a defining voice in American music is lost, the impact reaches far beyond headlines. For decades, Bob Weir helped shape not just a sound, but a…