You’re walking through the woods, and minding your own business when you see a snake. You stop in your tracks and try to figure out what to do. Is the snake going to chase you?

Five snakes that will chase you include the Central American Bushmaster, Agkistrodon, Northern Cottonmouth, and Black Mamba. They will only chase you if they feel threatened, and this is more likely to happen if the snake is cornered or there is food nearby. 

Most snakes will avoid contact with humans, but these five species see humans as a threat and actively pursue them. Let’s find out who they are and why they will chase you.

1. Central American Bushmaster

As mentioned in the introduction, snakes do not actively chase people. They just want to defend themselves or seek a way out if you are in their way, and you are both equally scared of each other.

However, it often happens that you and the snake are taking the same route to escape, but you mistakenly think the snake is chasing you. 

Some snakes will chase you if they feel threatened, while others will only attack if you threaten their territory.

The Central American bushmaster is at the top of the list. It is aggressive and territorial and has been known to attack humans. 

The Central American bushmaster is found in rainforests and swamps in Central and South America. Its venom is very powerful and can cause paralysis, organ damage, and even death. It will often strike without warning. 

If you see a bushmaster, it’s best to leave it alone. 

2. Agkistrodon

Agkistrodons are native to America and are often referred to as “pit vipers” because they have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils.

All Agkistrodon snakes are venomous, and their bite can be fatal to humans if not treated promptly. These snakes are generally shy and reclusive snakes, but they will attack and appear to chase you if they feel threatened. 

3. Pituophis

If you have come too close to a snake which was simply basking in the sun or protecting her eggs, the snake will either behave aggressively or attack you if it can’t escape. 

While it may seem like it is chasing you, the snake is actually trying to get away from you. Snakes are scared of humans and will do whatever they can to get away from us.

In this context, Pituophis, also known as the bullsnake, will coil up and hiss loudly if they feel threatened. Pituophis is a giant, non-venomous snake found in North America, and has a shy nature. 

If you encounter a Pituophis, it is best to give it a wide berth and leave it alone. 

4. Northern Cottonmouth

When it comes to snakes, the northern cottonmouth is one of the most aggressive varieties. This snake is not afraid to chase after humans and has been known to attack without provocation. 

It is found in the southeastern United States, and while it is not as venomous as the Pituophis, it can still cause serious harm. 

5. Black Mamba

The most common snake to chase humans is the black mamba. These snakes can grow up to 14 feet (4.27 m) long and are found in Africa. They are swift and vicious and will often chase people who come too close to their nests. 

If they feel threatened, they will pursue their attacker with lightning speed.

So, what should you do if a black mamba chases you? First, try to stay calm. If you run, the mamba will only chase you faster. Instead, slowly back away from the snake while keeping your eyes on it.