However, what might the most venomous snake in the world be, and what makes them so dangerous? Is it the amount of venom, the potency of the venom, or both!?
Scientists measure how venomous a snake is by using a toxicology test called the median lethal dose, also known as LD50. The smaller the number, the more venomous the snake. By applying this scale, we can determine what the most venomous snakes in the world are.
Whether it be the huge amount of venom injected or the absolutely dangerous potency levels, we’ll use this scale to show you the ten most venomous snakes that rise to the top. Let’s get started!
10: Fer-De-Lance, or Terciopelo
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 3 mg & 500-1500 mg
Responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in its region, the fer-de-lance or terciopelo starts our list of the most venomous snakes in the world. Located in South and Central America along with Mexico and Brazil, the fer-de-lance is one of the most dangerous pit vipers out there.
9: King Cobra
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 1 mg & 400-1000 mg
No one would argue that the king cobra is among the most venomous snakes in the world, and for good reason. Not only does it inject an average of 400-1000 mg per bite, but its venom is potent enough to kill approximately 11 people in one bite! Located in Southern Asia, the king cobra reaches lengths of 10-13 feet long, far longer than any other venomous snake.
8: Boomslang
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.1 mg & 1-8 mg
The boomslang lives in trees throughout most of Africa, especially in Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. As you can no doubt see, the boomslang has an incredibly potent bite, only injecting 1-8 mg at a time. However, its LD50 amount is so low that it would only take a single bite to kill a person. But what’s even more dangerous than the venom from the boomslang? The false sense of security it gives people after they have been bitten.
7: Russell’s Viper
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.16 mg & 130-250 mg
Considering the fact that 40-70 mg of Russell’s viper venom is enough to kill the average person, the bite of this snake is particularly dangerous! In fact, Russell’s viper kills more people in Sri Lanka, Burma, and India than any other snake. This snake is found in open grasslands across the Indian subcontinent, hunting in highly populated areas. Not only does this make Russell’s viper considerably dangerous due to its proximity- but it also has a bite to back it up.
6: Black Mamba
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.3 mg & 100-400 mg
You’ve likely heard about the Black Mamba in terms of its dangerous qualities and fearsome reputation. And it is well-deserved: located in sub-Saharan Africa, the Black Mamba not only has a bite to rival just about any other snake on this list, but it is also huge. It is the largest venomous snake in Africa, often reaching 10 feet. Plus, it can raise its body in the air like a cobra, and it frequently bites more than once, snapping quickly before fleeing at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour!
5: Eastern Brown Snake
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.03 mg & 5-75 mg
Considered the second-most venomous terrestrial snake due to its venom potency, the eastern brown snake has a bite to be feared. Located in Australia, this snake is responsible for the most snakebite deaths in its region.
4: Dubois’s Sea Snake
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.04 mg & 1-10 mg
Living amongst coral reef flats in the Coral Sea, the Arafura Sea, the Timor Sea, and the Indian Ocean, the Dubois’ sea snake is an extremely venomous snake. It has an extremely potent bite, though there aren’t very many records of this snake killing anyone.
3: Forest Cobra
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.22 mg & 570-1100 mg
The king cobra has a cousin that is more than capable of taking down a human in a single bite. In fact, the forest cobra has a potent enough bite and a high enough venom yield to take down 65 fully-grown people in a single bite!
2: Coastal Taipan
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.1 mg & 100-400 mg
While the name might suggest that this snake only lives near the ocean, the coastal taipan exists throughout Australia. Also known as the common taipan, this highly venomous snake can kill as many as 56 people using a single bite!
1: Inland Taipan
LD50 Amount Average Venom Injected per Bite – 0.01 mg & 44-110 mg
Arguably the most venomous and the deadliest snake in the world, the inland taipan has the lowest LD50 rating out of all of the snakes found here: a whopping 0.01mg. In fact, the inland taipan bites with only 44-110mg of venom per bite, and this is still enough to kill 289 humans! Not only does it envenomate more than 80% of the time, it also has the capability of biting repeatedly.
