[Lee Stewart]

Learning about the black mamba is unlikely to quell any existing fear of snakes. The reptile, found in the savannahs and hills in eastern and southern Africa, is the longest venomous snake on the continent and can reach up to 14 feet (4.3m) in length. More terrifyingly, black mambas are among the world’s fastest snakes and can move at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour (20km ph). Named for their dark, gaping mouths, they’re naturally reserved but will strike when threatened – and bites are usually fatal within 20 minutes.