Puff Adder
Bitis arietans · Viperidae
Also called: African Puff Adder
Responsible for the most snakebite deaths in Africa — not because it is the most venomous, but because it is common, well-camouflaged and slow to move off paths.
What the Puff Adder looks like
How to identify it
- 1Thick, heavy body with chevron or U-shaped dark bands
- 2Yellow-brown to gray ground color for excellent camouflage
- 3Large flat triangular head
- 4Puffs up and hisses loudly when threatened
Snakes it's confused with
Even bulkier with an ornate geometric pattern and huge fangs.
Behavior & danger to humans
Relies on camouflage and often won't move, leading to accidental bites.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal cytotoxic venom. A leading cause of African snakebite deaths.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.