Travel to East Africa, particularly in its tropical and mountain forests as well as lowlands near the coast, and you’ll find a healthy population of green snakes, one of which is the Eastern Green Mamba. It’s easy to confuse Eastern Green Mambas with green snakes, though, because they look quite similar. So how do we know the difference?

The Eastern Green Mamba is one of the most widespread snake species in East Africa and is largely feared for its deadly venom. They’re known for their coffin-shaped heads and smooth scales. Despite their bad reputation, they’re shy, secretive snakes that hesitate to attack humans unless cornered.

Eastern Green Mambas are a fascinating species of snakes. Their bright green coloration and graceful, quick movements make them fun to observe. In the rest of this article, we’re going to learn more about the Eastern Green Mamba, particularly their appearance, habitat, and behavior.

What Is the Eastern Green Mamba?

The Eastern Green Mamba is a species of venomous snake known for its lethal venom, excellent tree-climbing ability, and agility. Often confused with arboreal green snakes in coastal mountains in Africa, Eastern Green Mambas have an elongated, narrow head that resembles the shape of a coffin.

Their scientific name is Dendroaspis angusticeps, and they have no subspecies. 

Although venomous, Eastern Green Mambas aren’t even half as venomous as other mambas, particularly the Black Mamba, which is widely popular and feared in African regions. Black Mambas have, in fact, such a fearsome reputation that they have become the subject of many African legends and folklore.

While the Black Mamba’s venom can paralyze a human being in a span of 20 minutes and almost always kills the person attacked, this is not so with an Eastern Green Mamba. However, it must be emphasized that an Eastern Green Mamba’s venom is still highly toxic and can cause death when left untreated.

The Appearance of An Eastern Green Mamba

The Eastern Green Mamba is an attractive snake species that can often mislead people into thinking that they’re safe like the nonvenomous smooth green snakes. However, like its other mamba relatives, this species is highly venomous.

To recognize an Eastern Green Mamba more easily, you can refer to the profile below:

Head and Face

The most distinctive physical feature of the Eastern Green Mamba is its long, rectangular head that is often described as coffin-shaped. It has round, medium-sized eyes with round, black pupils surrounded by an outer ring that is of an olive color. 

Eastern Green Mambas also belong to the same family as cobras and exhibit certain behaviors that are typical of cobras, such as the raising of the upper head and neck and flattening their head to resemble a cobra’s hood. 

However, Eastern Green Mambas don’t have a real hood but still display this behavior to ward off potential threats.

Size

These snakes are also large but slender-bodied, growing up to 6.6 feet (2 m) in length as they mature. Interestingly, the Eastern Green Mamba never actually stops growing until it dies. It experiences huge growth spurts after hatching, but its growth rate slows as it becomes bigger.

Skin

They have oblique dorsal scales that are smooth, and they may have a few yellow-green scales scattered throughout their boy. Their bodies are a bright green color, with underbellies that are yellow-green or pale yellow.

Though the mature ones have bright green upper bodies, juvenile snakes have a bluish-green coloration that gradually turns more and more solid green as they go through several periods of molting. This bright green coloration is usually achieved when the snakes have grown about two feet (0.61 m) long.

Differences Between an Eastern Green Mamba and Most Green Snakes

Many parts of Africa are known to be habitats of different kinds of green snakes, making it hard to distinguish Eastern Green Mambas from them. The fact that these types of snakes co-exist in the same regions makes it doubly difficult to know the difference.

Here are some of the most common differences between the two:

• Eyes: Eastern Green Mambas have medium-sized eyes, while most green snakes have large, round eyes that look too big for their heads. 
• Color: Most green snakes have yellowish colorations at the tip of their heads, as well as in their underbelly, while Eastern Green Mambas are bright green throughout their length.
• Head: Green snakes have small, almost triangular-shaped heads, while Eastern Green Mambas have rectangular-shaped ones.

The Habitat of An Eastern Green Mamba

These snakes are typically found in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

Because they are arboreal and excellent climbers, they can be found on the tops of trees, often among clusters of leaves instead of tree hollows. However, they sometimes make use of tree hollows and even come to the ground when searching for food or a mate.

They prefer coastal regions, as well as montane and tropical forests. They’re also most easily spotted in dense vegetation, largely because they like to camouflage themselves with the leaves.

In coastal regions in East Africa, they’ve been reported to have been seen near houses – some even entering these dwellings.

Behavior and Lifestyle of An Eastern Green Mamba

Social Behavior

The Eastern Green Mamba, despite many frightening reports about its lethal venom, is a shy, non-aggressive, and secretive snake that prefers to hide by camouflage and fleeing from humans and other potential threats. They don’t initiate attacks on humans and other larger animals and often avoid interactions altogether.

However, when attacked or provoked to the point of being cornered, they won’t hesitate to launch a deadly attack, biting their victim rapidly several times and ensuring that their poison gets into their victim’s system and renders it incapable of harm. 

Diet and Hunting Skills

They’re also carnivores that feed on bats, birds and their eggs, arboreal lizards, and other small mammals. They’re ambush predators, which means that they lie in wait for their prey to come in close contact or to fall within their reach before striking. Exhibiting amazing patience in the hunt, they hide in places where they know their prey is most likely to pass or go.

When food is unavailable up in the trees, they will come down to the ground to hunt and eat what small animals they come across, such as rodents, squirrels, and frogs.

Their ability to camouflage coupled with their agility makes them amazing hunters that slower, unknowing animals are completely unprepared for. 

Defense Mechanisms

Because they are diurnal or active during the day and sleep at night, they’re most likely to encounter humans, especially those that live in coastal regions where there have been reports of Eastern Green Mambas falling on thatched roofs and even getting inside homes.

Unlike a bite from a Black Mamba that doesn’t swell but can quickly have debilitating effects, a bite from an Eastern Green Mamba typically swells and is painful. It also soon after causes nausea and dizziness. 

When untreated, the bite can affect a human’s cardiovascular and nervous systems, first making it extremely difficult to swallow and breathe, as well as causing the heart to beat irregularly.

After a few hours without treatment, the snake’s victim will suffer convulsions and then paralysis. They will no longer be able to control their breathing, which can quickly lead to death.

Therefore, it’s never advisable to approach an Eastern Green Mamba unless you have expertise in dealing with them, have sufficient protective gear on (such as a thick, long-sleeved shirt and gloves), and have proper tools for handling the snake.

To avoid unwanted encounters with these tree-loving animals, you can do the following:

• Inspect your surroundings with a long stick before moving forward. This will alert any snakes in the area and give them time to move away to avoid an encounter.
• Refrain from walking through thick vegetation as much as possible. Eastern Green Mambas camouflage themselves in these areas.

Mating Habits

These snakes mate during the months of April to June. 

Mating begins with a male looking for a female, often competing with other males through aggressive fighting. Males do this by intertwining their bodies together, forcing the other’s heads to the ground. Whichever snake has its head pinned to the ground loses. The winner then can proceed to mate with the female.

Mating happens in the trees, with their bodies hidden among the leaves. If the mating is successful, the female will lay anywhere around 4 to 17 eggs, which typically hatch during the summer months.

Population Threats

Eastern Green Mambas are not believed to be a threatened species, and in East Africa, they continue to be spotted in healthy numbers. However, with threats to their habitats becoming more and more widespread, more of these snakes are moving out of their coastal and mountain habitats and into communities.

Some of the most serious threats to their population are deforestation and the human destruction of coastal habitats, particularly for the purpose of turning them into residential areas. 

Deforestation is also forcing these arboreal snakes off their beloved treetops and into the ground, where they’re most vulnerable and more likely to harm humans.

Are Eastern Green Mambas Poisonous?

Eastern green mambas are highly venomous snakes. They have powerful neurotoxic venom, meaning their bites can be fatal to humans if not treated quickly. If the bite stays for 30 minutes without antivenom treatment, the fatality rate can be higher.

You should take extra care when coming across an eastern green mamba and seek medical help immediately if bitten. It is advised that anyone in an area with eastern green mambas should be cautious and stay away from these snakes if spotted.

However, though they may feel threatened, they’re not aggressive and will generally try to flee rather than attack. As such, you should be extra mindful of your surroundings and respect their space whenever possible. 

They coil into a defensive posture when provoked, often with their heads raised as a warning. If they feel threatened and cornered, they will repeatedly bite in defense. 

Is the Green Mamba More Poisonous Than the Black Mamba?

Black mambas (Dendroaspis polylepis) are more venomous than green mambas, although both snakes have neurotoxic venom. Black mamba venom has a lower median lethal dose (LD50) than green mambas, meaning it requires a smaller dose of venom to kill a person.

The black mamba can deliver up to 120-400 mg of venom with a single bite, whereas the green mamba can deliver only up to 50-150 mg of venom. However, the protein in the venom of the black mamba is a low molecular weight, while the protein in the venom of the green mamba is higher. 

It requires a larger dose of green mamba venom to cause the same amount of toxicity as black mamba venom. 

Moreover, the black mamba venom travels faster and spreads to other parts of the body more quickly than the green mamba venom, which allows it to cause serious damage more quickly. 

How Fast Is the Eastern Green Mamba?

The eastern green mamba is agile and fast. They can reach speeds of up to 11 kilometers (7 miles) per hour and easily make sharp turns. This makes them difficult to escape or outrun if encountered in the wild.

They’re also known for their sharp vision, allowing them to spot potential prey from a distance. This can be advantageous in an ambush and helps the eastern green mamba catch their meal quickly.

What Happens if a Green Mamba Bites You?

If you’re bitten by an eastern green mamba, you will notice pain and swelling at the bite site, and more severe symptoms can develop in some cases. The swelling may progress to the whole limb, and you may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness. 

In some cases, paralysis and respiratory distress can also occur. If you’re bitten by an eastern green mamba, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment involves antivenom, which is best given immediately after the bite.

You should monitor your vital signs and breathe closely, as paralysis of the respiratory muscles may occur. The consequences can be fatal if you take more than 30 minutes to reach a medical center. 

Can You Survive a Green Mamba Bite?

You can survive a green mamba bite, but the odds aren’t in your favor without the antivenom. Green mambas are one of the most venomous snakes in the world, and their bites can cause severe pain, tissue damage, nausea, seizures, and even paralysis. 

The venom can potentially shut down a person’s vital organs, leading to death. However, if you can get the antivenom in time, you may be able to survive a bite from this dangerous reptile. The antivenom works by neutralizing the venom and can prevent many life-threatening side effects.

Can You Survive a Black Mamba Bite?

You can survive a black mamba bite. However, depending on the amount of venom injected and where you get bitten, a bite from a black mamba can cause serious health complications. More importantly, you should gain access to an antivenom as soon as possible for better chances of survival.

You may have heard tales of black mamba bites being fatal to humans, but the truth is that it’s not impossible to survive a bite from this venomous snake. 

Most black mamba bites are dry, which means the snake doesn’t inject any venom. In these cases, you may still experience intense pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site. In some cases, you may develop a fever or feel nauseous.

In cases where the black mamba does inject venom, you may experience more severe symptoms. These can include increased heart rate, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and paralysis. 

If you’re bitten, it can take 45 minutes before you collapse. It may take 7-15 hours for the bite to kill you, providing you with significant time to seek medical attention.

Are Green Mambas Aggressive?

Green Mambas are not naturally aggressive and usually only strike if they feel threatened. They tend to be shy creatures, preferring to live in solitude and avoid contact with humans. If cornered or threatened, they may become aggressive and bite. 

Green Mambas are venomous, so it is advised to steer clear of these snakes when possible. Give them their space and respect the boundaries of nature. If you are outdoors in an area where Green Mambas may be present, it is best to remain vigilant and observe the reptile from a distance. 

What To Do if a Black Mamba Bites You?

You should stay calm and call an ambulance if a black mamba bites you. If medical help isn’t immediately available, tie a bandage around the wound to slow down the venom’s spread. Avoid running or doing anything that could speed up your heart rate as it can spread the venom more quickly.

Remember that your survival depends on how seriously you take the following steps:

• Stay calm and limit activity. Remain calm and restrict your activity as much as possible. Move slowly if you must, and avoid strenuous activities that could strain your body.
• Tie a bandage around the wound. If possible, use a tight-fitting bandage to slow down the absorption of the venom into your bloodstream. However, this should not be too tight as it can slow down circulation.
• Remove any items of clothing or jewelry near the wound. Anything that could cause pressure on the wound should be removed to help reduce swelling and slow venom absorption.
• Take an antivenom if available. If a black mamba antivenom is available, it should be administered as soon as possible to lessen the effects of the venom.
• Seek immediate medical attention. The venom can be potent and can be lethal. You should seek immediate assistance. You should go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance if one is available. While these tips may help reduce the venom’s impact, only medical professionals have the training and expertise needed to provide the best treatment.

Do Black Mambas Spit Venom?

Black mambas don’t spit venom at their prey. Instead, they use venom delivered through a bite to paralyze or kill their victims. Their fangs are in the front of their mouths, so they must bite to deliver the venom. 

The venom is neurotoxic that works to shut down the nerves of their prey. Luckily, they can’t spray or shoot it like some other species of snake, such as cobras.

What Are Black Mamba Babies Called?

The offspring of black mamba snakes are known as hatchlings or neonates. Hatchlings are born live and measure around 16–24 inches (41–61 cm) long, fully equipped with venomous fangs. Black mambas hatchlings can be identified by their pale green to greenish-grey color pattern. 

They take around 18 months to reach maturity, and within one year of hatching, they can reach lengths of up to six feet (1.8 meters). While they may appear small and harmless, they should be treated with extreme caution as they can be just as deadly as an adult.