Menu

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes are reptiles that produces a toxin in a specialized gland and possesses a specific venom delivery system, which is typically injected through fangs upon biting prey.

Many of the world's venomous snakes have venom that is straightforward and “easy” to treat effectively with the proper antivenoms - Mamba bites, for example. Other species may cause a clinical explosion of problems, which means that antivenoms are not very effective - some rattlesnake bites are this way.

Most Deadly vs. Most Dangerous

It is important to keep in mind when discussing venomous snakes that the "most deadly" snake and the "most dangerous" snake are two entirely different concepts.  However, these two concepts are often mistakenly used interchangeably.   

Some of the snakes with the most toxic venom – in other words, more deadly - rarely bite people. For instance, the deadliest sea snakes are generally quite docile. The Inland Taipan, the snake with the deadliest venom, has never killed anyone on record. On the other hand, the snakes that kill the most people (most dangerous) have “mild” venoms compared to other venomous snakes.

The Cottonmouth and Copperhead

Image of a black Cottonmouth snake coiled up on the ground.Cottonmouth
Image of a Copperhead snake on top of a log.Copperhead

Many people believe the Cottonmouth and the Copperhead to be very deadly. Legends aside, they are not very deadly at all. The maximum amount of venom a Cottonmouth can deliver is just barely enough to kill a single person.

The Copperhead is less deadly still; even if untreated, a Copperhead bite causes death in considerably less than 1% of bites.


100 Pace Snakes

Image of a snorkle-nosed viper coiled up on the ground.

Snorkel-nosed Viper

An image of a black and white stripped baned krait snake.

Banded Krait

Travelers and servicemen who have been to Southeast Asia frequently ask us about the "100 pace snakes" (or 2 pacers, or 50 pacers or 1000 pacers, etc.).

For the most part, snakes belonging to the genus Tropidolaemus (Trimeresurus), most notably Tropidolaemus (Trimeresurus) wagleri, are given this moniker. Their reputed deadliness, however, is simply just a folk tale. These snakes have very mild venom and deaths from their bites are virtually unknown.

To be fair, the Snorkel-nosed Viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) has caused some deaths and is occasionally referred to by these terms as well. Kraits are also given this name in other parts of the world and, although they are indeed deadly, they do not kill within any small number of paces.

Visit our Sky Dome and head on up to the mezzanine level, where you’ll see some of the most venomous snakes on Earth.  Want to learn more about these fascinating creatures?  Be sure to catch one of our Snake Shows where you and your family have an opportunity to have an up-close-and-personal experience with Reptile Gardens' snake ambassadors.

Save

Close

Things To Do

Main Exhibits

Shows

Shops

Close

Animal Facts

Snakes

Non-Snakes

Native to South Dakota

Close

Botanical Gardens

Close

About Us

Dog Policy

We love all animals, wild and domesticated. Unfortunately due to a high number of recent incidents with dogs, our insurance company has advised us that we can no longer allow dogs, or other personal pets, on the Reptile Gardens grounds. ADA approved service dogs are, of course, allowed although there are three areas where they are not allowed for their safety and the safety of our animals. We do offer a shaded grassy area adjacent to our parking lot for walking your dog. We only ask that your pet be leashed and attended to at all times. You are welcome to come and go from the park as often as you like to tend to your dog. For more information, visit our FAQ Page

Dismiss

Privacy Policy
Book Tickets Online Book Tickets