Snakes evolved millions of years before mammals. Serpents posed a particularly dangerous threat to these warm-blooded animals because they were ideal ambush predators — both innocuous and quick. Snakes are said to be one of the most dangerous predators on earth. Do you know which snake is the fastest? At what speed does King Cobra run after its prey? Today, let’s take a look at some of the fastest snakes, which pounce on their prey at a lightning speed.
1. Sidewinder Rattlesnake: As per reports, the snake that chases its prey at the fastest speed is the Sidewinder Rattlesnake. It pounces on its prey at a speed of about 29 kilometres per hour. Its way of moving is unique; hence, its speed is also quite high. Sidewinders are mostly found in desert areas of Mexico and the American Southwest. Here they run on the steep mounds and gritty sand. These are ambush hunters who remain hidden in the sand up to their necks.
2. Rat Snake: This snake species is at number two. It is not poisonous like a Cobra or Cottonmouth, but it pounces on the prey at a speed of 2.67 metres per second. Whenever it feels hungry, it immediately kills its prey.
3. Cottonmouth: The cottonmouth snake, which is mostly found in America, is at number three. It reaches its prey at a speed of only 2.97 metres per second. It can cover a distance of more than six feet in less than a second. It does not want to attack. But once its prey has been injected with venom, the snake will let it wander off to die and follow at its leisure. Mammalian prey can range in size from mice to rabbits.
4. King Cobra: The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world. It chases its prey at a speed of 3.33 metres per second. It is so poisonous that if its poison reaches the human body and proper treatment is not given, the person dies within 30 minutes.
5. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake: This is the fastest snake in the water. Yellow-bellied sea snakes can run at a speed of 4 kilometres per hour in water. When compared with the ground’s speed, it is around 15 kilometres per hour. These are the only snakes that can stand on water waves. They live in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These are quite poisonous.
6. Southern Black Racer: It is said to be the world’s fastest non-venomous snake. They chase at a speed of 12.87 kilometres and can catch prey without stopping. They do not grab hold of their prey; rather, they pin them down and suffocate them.
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