West African Gaboon Viper

More Information

Physical Description

West African gaboon vipers have a triangular head and distrinct horn-like scales above their nostrils. The color of their ridged scales vary from brown to purple, and they have an intricate symmetrical design pattern along their body that resembles a line of yellow hourglasses. They primarily eat small mammals, rodents, ground-dwelling birds, frogs, and toads.

Interesting Fact 1

West African gaboon vipers use their fangs to inject their prey with toxic, immobilziing venom.

Interesting Fact 2

Gaboon vipers have two-inch-long fangs, the longest fangs of any venomous snake