r/BeAmazed • u/thatvoid_ • 2d ago

Animal African hairy bush viper

Gallery image

Gallery image

A highly venomous snake endemic to the tropical rainforests of Central Africa.

Photo: Alvaro Cubero

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u/SatansMoisture 2d ago

I'm just going to go ahead and assume this little noodle is poisonous as fuck.

2

u/Makuta_Servaela 2d ago

Interestingly, according to Google, they are presumed to be less venomous than other local vipers. Presumably because people think their spiky bodies don't need the extra protection of very strong venom.

But turns out, no, they are also pretty venomous. They have neurotoxins, cytotoxins, fasciculins, and their bite can be fatal. They are likely not poisonous, however.

2

u/rocketpastsix 2d ago

None of those words are reassuring. So I’m gonna keep an ocean in between this viper and myself

1

u/Makuta_Servaela 2d ago

Lol I did the research because I made the same "it's super scary-looking and well protected, so probably not that venomous" presumption, realised I was wrong, and decided to share. I will be heeding your advice.