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Posted by Tim Perry on October 14, 1997 at 09:04:29:
I hope you will excuse my relative ignorance here, but is there a consensus among you as to the title of "world’s deadliest snake?" Actually, I guess that would make it two separate questions; most poisonous and most deadly. Obviously several factors would affect the discussion. A physically small snake, such as a coral could be quite poisonous, but because of secretive, non aggressive habits would be considered less dangerous than a large, aggressive, but technically less poisonous snake (say a diamondback for lack of a better comaprison). The ability to deliver large doses of venom, the size of fangs with which to deliver said venom more deeply, the relative abundance around populated areas, agility, speed, etc would affect it’s ranking.
Years ago, while reading Bill Haast’s bio, Cobras In His Garden, I can remember the claim made that one drop of a King Cobra’s venom could kill 14 adult humans. Is this still considered accurate? Is the King considered a more deadly cobra because it grows so large, and is hence able to deliver more venom? I know some sea snakes were once considered the most poisonous, but because of their relative scarcity and unique habit, their danger to humans was downplayed.
I’m sure any discussion of this type would include kraits, mambas, cobras, bushmasters and Australian browns. Anyone care to weigh in on this topic? Or does a question like this seem hopelessly bush league to you folks? Humor me, eh?
