What are the Different Types of Venomous Snakes?
Snakes are found almost everywhere in the world. Most people are not fond of them and are especially afraid of venomous snakes. Although usually not as large or powerful as their constrictor cousins, venomous snakes are certainly more deadly to humans. Venomous snakes are roughly divided into four families: elapids, viperids, colubrids and hydrophiidae. Within these families are classified the most dangerous snakes in the world.
Snakes are found almost everywhere in the world. Most people are not fond of them and are especially afraid of venomous snakes. Although usually not as large or powerful as their constrictor cousins, venomous snakes are certainly more deadly to humans. Venomous snakes are roughly divided into four families: elapids, viperids, colubrids and hydrophiidae. Within these families are classified the most dangerous snakes in the world. Elapids comprise perhaps the deadliest of the venomous snakes. These snakes are classified by their smaller, fixed fangs. In this group are cobras, mambas, kraits, taipans and a host of others. The North American coral snake is also an elapid, although few bites have been recorded from this snake. Elapids often have a neurotoxic venom, which means it acts on the nervous system. People usually die from paralysis of the lungs and heart. Elapids, like most snakes, usually shun human contact, but are territorial and bite if cornered.
