Undoubtedly, it is the black mamba of Africa (photo, below) and is also one of the most poisonous snakes. It is principally a tree snake, but can move on level ground at speeds exceeding 15 kilometres per hour. one black mamba was seen rushing downhill to escape from a bush fire. Although its motion could not be timed precisely, the estimated speed was 20 to 22 kilometres per hour. Being reptile (cold-blooded animal), it cannot sustain this speed for a long distance. The body heats up and the creature has to stop to cool down. It is noteworthy that the yield of venom from black mamba’s bite is enough to kill ten humans.
