A daring British traveller has stunned wildlife enthusiasts after capturing rare footage of one of the world's most venomous snakes deep in the Congo rainforest.
Heart-Stopping Jungle Encounter
The unidentified explorer filmed the terrifying moment they came face-to-face with a lethal Congo snake, known scientifically as Dendroaspis polylepis, or more commonly as the black mamba.
"My blood ran cold when I realised what was slithering towards me," the traveller recounted. "Its speed was unbelievable - one moment it was metres away, the next it was right at my feet."
One of Nature's Most Feared Predators
Considered Africa's most dangerous snake, the black mamba can deliver enough neurotoxic venom in a single bite to kill 10-15 adults. What makes this sighting extraordinary is the snake's notorious elusiveness - they typically avoid human contact.
- Capable of striking at speeds of 12 mph
- Average length of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet)
- Named for the inky black colour inside its mouth
Experts Weigh In on Rare Sighting
Herpetologists have described the footage as "exceptionally rare" and "biologically significant". Dr. Sarah Wilkinson from the London School of Tropical Medicine explained: "These snakes are masters of camouflage and evasion. To capture such clear footage in their natural habitat is extraordinary."
The traveller, who wisely kept a safe distance, reported the sighting to conservation groups studying reptile populations in the region. Researchers hope the encounter might provide new insights into the behaviour of this notoriously secretive species.
