In the morning, I noticed something in the yard and thought it was just a toy – but the reality turned out to be much more terrifying

Published by: 07.06.2025Category: Interesting News    

It turned out to be a Gaboon viper.

I truly thanked God for walking away so quickly, because if I had stayed even a moment longer or tried to touch it – things could have ended very differently.

What is a Gaboon viper?

The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes and the heaviest venomous snake in the world.

Its incredible camouflage allows it to blend perfectly with fallen leaves, making it nearly invisible.

Chilling facts:

• Length: can reach up to 2 meters
• Weight: up to 8 kilograms
• Fangs: up to 5 centimeters – the longest of any snake
• Venom: extremely powerful, destroys tissue and causes blood clotting
• Behavior: usually calm and doesn’t attack without provocation, but if stepped on or disturbed – it strikes instantly
• Prey: small mammals and birds, sometimes swallows a hedgehog or small antelope whole

Despite its terrifying arsenal, the Gaboon viper rarely bites humans – typically only when disturbed by accident. But without antivenom, the chances of survival are extremely low.

So yes… I’m not exaggerating when I say that morning could have been my last.