Native to Australia, the Inland Taipan is regarded as the world's most venomous land snake. The Inland Taipan adapts to its environment as the seasons change, its skin growing dark during the colder winter months (to aid in absorbing heat) and growing lighter during the warmer months of summer.
The Inland Taipan is quite the shy and reclusive reptile, more likely to scurry away from an intruder than to attack. For this reason, it isn't often thought of when listing the world's most dangerous species. But, there is no doubt that the Inland Taipan, with its neuro-toxic venom-- the amount from a single bite capable of killing 300 adult humans or 50,000 mice-- that this snake is definitely the most venomous.
Most venomous does not mean most deadly... that title belongs to the snake responsible for the most human deaths. Just because the Taipan is capable of killing 300 humans with a single bite, doesn't mean it runs rampant decimating populations. In fact, only a fraction of snake-venom deaths can be attributed to the Inland Taipan and even then, the snake had to be provoked.
The Inland Taipan is quite the shy and reclusive reptile, more likely to scurry away from an intruder than to attack. For this reason, it isn't often thought of when listing the world's most dangerous species. But, there is no doubt that the Inland Taipan, with its neuro-toxic venom-- the amount from a single bite capable of killing 300 adult humans or 50,000 mice-- that this snake is definitely the most venomous.Most venomous does not mean most deadly... that title belongs to the snake responsible for the most human deaths. Just because the Taipan is capable of killing 300 humans with a single bite, doesn't mean it runs rampant decimating populations. In fact, only a fraction of snake-venom deaths can be attributed to the Inland Taipan and even then, the snake had to be provoked.
Tempting Taipan
Tread softly, lest you bump my nest,
I seek not to nip your heel,
I'd rather you slip away, unwelcome guest,
blame me not, for any sting you might feel.
--- e.a.s. demers
As a kid, I spent a lot of time in Illinois creeks and backwoods. I caught and released snakes that many people would have killed on sight. They're amazing critters. And I think your poem caught their attitude perfectly: Given distance and respect, they've no interest in biting.
ReplyDeleteI spent some time working with snakes in college, and they definitely would take fleeing over fighting any day... they're amazing creatures and what they are able to do without any "arms" or "legs" is unbelievable!
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