Black Mamba

The black mamba is a long, venomous African snake with a slender body and usually gray or olive-brown coloring. Its name refers to the dark interior of the mouth. It hunts small animals and uses shelter in places such as hollow trees or rock crevices. The snake may raise the front of its body and open its mouth when threatened. It is active mainly by day and moves readily on the ground or through branches. Its potent venom makes disturbance dangerous, though defensive displays do not mean it routinely pursues people.