Snakes are fascinating creatures that have evolved to be incredibly agile and fast in order to survive in their environments. With over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, it’s no surprise that some of them have developed impressive speed.
In the United States, there are several species of snakes that are known for their incredible speed. In this article, we will explore the top 3 fastest snakes in the United States and learn about their unbelievable speed.
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Top 3 Fastest Snakes In The United States Have Unbelievable Speed
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake, also known as the horn viper, horned rattlesnake, or sidewinder rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
It is the fastest snake in North America and one of the fastest snakes in the world, capable of reaching a ground speed of up to 18 mph (29 km/h). Sidewinding is the equivalent of the horses’ gallop in the snake world and is the fastest way for a snake to get around and cross loose shifting sand.
While sidewinding, only two parts of the snake are on the ground simultaneously with the head and tail firmly anchoring. The Sidewinder
Rattlesnake is capable of other, more traditional forms of snake movement as well. Although venomous, its venom is less potent than most other rattlesnakes, and in most cases, it is only strong enough to kill prey of up to 30 or 40 pounds (13 to 18 kilograms) .
Southern Black Racer
The Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is a nonvenomous subspecies of the Coluber constrictor snake species found in the southeastern United States.
It is a long and slender snake with large and prominent eyes, and adults are black or bluish-black with white or whitish markings on the chin and throat. Juveniles, on the other hand, are gray with distinct reddish-brown blotches running down the back of the head and body.
The Southern Black Racer is quite active during the day, which increases the chance of sightings. These snakes are predators that rely on lizards, insects, moles, birds, eggs, small snakes, rodents, and frogs.
Despite its specific name constrictor, the racer is more likely to suffocate or crush its victim into the ground, rather than coiling around it in typical constrictor fashion. Humans remain the greatest enemy of black racers, as many are killed on highways and others are intentionally killed out of fear.
The Southern Black Racer can be mistaken for a cottonmouth, a venomous snake more commonly called the water moccasin.
Cottonmouth Viper
The Cottonmouth Viper, also known as the water moccasin, is a venomous pit viper species found in the southeastern United States. It is the only venomous water snake in North America and the only semi-aquatic pit viper species.
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The Cottonmouth Viper is a large snake that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and has a distinctive triangular head with a dark line running through the eye. Its name comes from the white coloration on the inside of its mouth, which it displays when threatened.
The Cottonmouth Viper is often confused with non-venomous water snakes, but it can be distinguished by its thicker and heavier body, shorter and thicker tail, and elliptical pupils.
The venom of the Cottonmouth Viper contains enzymes that cause local destruction of tissues and can cause significant toxicity in humans.
Cottonmouths are semiaquatic and are comfortable both swimming in water and basking on land. They are found in marshes, swamps, drainage ditches, and on the edges of streams, lakes, and ponds.
FAQS
1. What is the fastest snake in the United States?
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake is the fastest snake in the United States and one of the fastest snakes in the world, capable of reaching a ground speed of up to 18 mph (29 km/h).
2. What is the second-fastest snake in the United States?
The Southern Black Racer is the second-fastest snake in the United States, capable of achieving a ground speed of up to 8 mph in bursts.
3. Is the Cottonmouth Viper venomous?
Yes, the Cottonmouth Viper, also known as the water moccasin, is a venomous pit viper species found in the southeastern United States.
4. How fast can the Cottonmouth Viper strike?
The Cottonmouth Viper has the fastest strike speed in America, measuring up to 2.97 meters per second.
5. Are these snakes dangerous to humans?
While these snakes are capable of delivering venomous bites, they are not typically aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. It is important to give these snakes their space and avoid handling them.
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Category: Animals
