Snakes

Abstract

There are more than 3000 species of snake. Approximately 20% are venomous. It is estimated there are more than 1 million venomous snakebites per year worldwide causing up to 125 000 deaths per year. The Elapidae family, which includes cobras and coral snakes, has fixed front fangs and neurotoxic venom. The Viperidae family includes vipers and rattlesnakes and has large hinged front fangs with myotoxic and/or hemotoxic venom. The Colubridae family, which includes the boomslang, contains rear-fanged snakes, which typically possess mild hemotoxic venom. Antivenom, when available, is the definitive treatment for snake envenomations.