What Is the Fastest Snake in the World?

Coastal taipan. Ken Griffiths / Shutterstock

According to a University of Michigan study, snakes won the evolutionary jackpot, partly because of their speed. These stealthy ambush predators can really get moving when they need to chase down prey or escape danger.

But which is the fastest snake in the world?

1. Sidewinder

The sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes), also known as the desert sidewinding horned viper, is the fastest-moving snake. It can travel at speeds of 18 mph (29 km/h).

The sidewinder snake uses a unique form of locomotion to move quickly across the sand in desert regions. Found in the southwestern United States, this snake moves in a sideways motion that allows it to travel across loose sand without sinking.

2. Black Mamba

One of the fastest snakes on the planet is the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), which can reach speeds of up to 12 mph (7.46 km/h). Native to eastern Africa, this venomous snake is also one of the deadliest.

Its agility, combined with a potent neurotoxic venom, allows it to hunt birds and small mammals efficiently. The black mamba doesn’t just rely on speed to kill prey; its fast strikes and dangerous bite make it one of the most feared venomous snakes in the world.

3. Southern Black Racer

The southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is one of the fastest nonvenomous snakes. Known for their quick, darting movements, these snakes can reach speeds of up to 10 mph (6.21 km/h), using their speed to escape predators or catch small animals.

Found in the southeastern United States, they're known for their sleek, black appearance and lightning-fast reactions.

4. King Cobra

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), known as the largest venomous snake in the world, is a formidable predator that can move at speeds of up to 6 mph (9.65 km/h).

Although it doesn’t use its speed to chase prey, the king cobra is fast enough to defend its territory and strike with deadly precision. Native to South and Southeast Asia, this snake relies more on its size and venom to dominate other animals, but don't underestimate its ability to move quickly when necessary.

5. Coachwhip

The coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum) is known for its incredible speed on land, reaching up to 4 mph (6.44 km/h). Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, this long, slender snake uses its speed to chase down small mammals and lizards.

Although nonvenomous, the coachwhip's agility and speed make it an efficient predator.

6. Texas Rat Snake

The Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is another fast-moving nonvenomous snake. It lives in forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas of Texas. These snakes can move at speeds of up to 3 mph (4.83 km/h).

Texas rat snakes are excellent climbers and often use their speed to enter rodent burrows or scale trees to catch birds and small mammals.

4 More Fast Snakes With Unverified Speeds

Not all of the world's fastest snakes have officially recorded slithering speeds. To be fair, we understand the hesitation to conduct such tests with species like the venomous pit viper snake or the deadly taipan.

1. Coastal Taipan

The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is another fast-striking snake. Found in northern Australia and New Guinea, this snake is highly venomous. The coastal taipan uses its quick reflexes to deliver its venomous bite to prey and predators alike, making it one of the more dangerous snakes in the region.

2. Common Death Adder

There are certainly faster snakes on land than the common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus), but this reptile is one of the fastest-striking snakes in the world.

Found in Australia, these venomous pit viper snakes use ambush tactics, lying in wait for prey to come near before delivering a rapid strike. The adder relies more on stealth than speed, but when it does strike, it can do so faster than many other snake species.

3. Eastern Brown Snake

The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textiles) is one of the fastest striking snakes in the world, capable of delivering a venomous bite in the blink of an eye.

Native to Australia, this snake is incredibly fast and aggressive when it feels threatened. Although it doesn’t chase prey over long distances, its rapid strikes make it one of the most dangerous snakes in the world, especially considering how potent its venom is.

4. Yellow-bellied Sea Snake

The yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) is one of the fastest swimmers in the snake world. Although not as speedy as some land snakes, this snake can swim impressively fast in ocean currents, propelling itself with its paddle-like tail.

These venomous sea snakes inhabit the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: What Is the Fastest Snake in the World?

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