This is The Fastest Snake in the World and it’s not the Black Mamba

Snakes despite having to slither on their bellies are fast moving creatures renowned for their stealth and agility. Snakes need to be fast since speed is crucial for both hunting and evading predators. But, have you ever wondered, which is the fastest snake in the world? Some might feel, it has got to be the King Cobra or the Black Mamba, but no! the world’s fastest snake can be found in the USA!

The Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes)

The sidewinder rattlesnake gets the prize for the world’s fastest snake. Also known as the desert sidewinding horned viper, it inhabits the arid deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Distinguished by horn-like projections above its eyes and a pale coloration that blends seamlessly with sandy environments, this snake employs a unique form of locomotion. By lifting parts of its body off the ground and moving sideways, the sidewinder can traverse loose sand without sinking. It can slither at speeds up to 18 mph (29 km/h), making it the fastest-moving snake. Now let’s check out some more snakes that can give the sidewinder some serious competition.

Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the black mamba is one of the longest venomous snakes, reaching lengths up to 15 feet (4.5 meters). Despite its name, its coloration ranges from gray to dark brown, with the “black” referring to the color of the inside of its mouth. Renowned for its agility, the black mamba can slither at speeds up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h). This speed, combined with potent neurotoxic venom, makes it a formidable predator of birds and small mammals. While it prefers to avoid confrontation, when threatened, it can become highly aggressive.

Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)

Found across eastern and central Australia, the eastern brown snake is one of the most skilled predators in the snake family. It possesses a slender body that can grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) in length, with coloration varying from pale brown to almost black. Capable of reaching speeds up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h), this snake uses its agility to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its venom is highly toxic, containing neurotoxins and coagulants that can cause rapid and severe symptoms in humans. Generally shy, the eastern brown snake will flee when encountered but can become aggressive if threatened.

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

As the world’s longest venomous snake, the king cobra can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and is native to forests, bamboo thickets, and agricultural areas in Southeast Asia and India. It is identifiable by its distinctive hood, which it flares when threatened, and its coloration ranges from olive green to black with pale yellow crossbands. The king cobra can move at speeds up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h). allowing it to escape threats and pursue prey, which includes other snakes, lizards, and small mammals. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is generally shy and avoids human encounters.

Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus)

Inhabiting the southeastern United States, the southern black racer Florida’s fastest snake. A nonvenomous species, it is known for its quick, darting movements. It can reach speeds up to 10 mph (16.1 km/h), using its agility to escape predators and catch small animals. Characterized by a sleek, black appearance, this snake is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands. While it may exhibit defensive behaviors when threatened, such as vibrating its tail to mimic a rattlesnake, it poses no real threat to humans.

Texas Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)

The non-venomous Texas rat snake which inhabits forests, grasslands, and urban areas can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). It has a variable coloration, typically featuring a pattern of gray, brown, and black markings on a lighter background. It is known for its climbing ability and often seeks refuge in trees or buildings. These snakes can move swiftly at approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). They leverage their speed and agility to catch prey such as rodents, birds, and eggs, playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations and benefiting the ecosystems they inhabit. What is astounding about this snake is how it can lunge half a foot in just 70 milliseconds, that’s lightning speed.

Cottonmouth Viper (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

The cottonmouth viper, also known as the water moccasin, is native to the southeastern United States and is found in wetlands, swamps, and along rivers and lakes. It has a thick, muscular body with a dark, often banded coloration and a distinctive white lining in its mouth, which it displays when threatened. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic and are proficient swimmers, often seen basking on logs or rocks near water. Cottonmouth vipers can slither up to 7 mph (11 km/h) and are especially agile in water. Thanks to this, they are efficient at both

The Boomslang

The Boomslang, native to Sub-Saharan Africa, inhabits woodlands, savannas, and forests, often spending its time in trees where its agility and excellent vision aid in hunting birds, eggs, lizards, and small mammals. Reaching speeds of up to 4 mph (6 kph), this slender snake with bright green males and brown or olive females can grow up to 6 feet long. Though highly venomous with hemotoxic venom that disrupts blood clotting, Boomslangs are shy and avoid humans, with most bites occurring only when provoked, and fatalities are rare with prompt medical care.

There you have it, the fastest slithering serpents in the world. From the sidewinder to the boomslang, each have adapted and developed capabilities for them to navigate and survive in their respective environments.