Powerful venom is not dangerous if the snake doesn’t bite. Aggression without
chemical backup can’t kill you. Even the most lethal snake in the world isn’t dangerous
if it never sees a human. But when things go wrong, a combination of the three is a
recipe for disaster.
In this natural history countdown show we reveal the behaviour of each species. Every
one of them has a very good reason for the potency of their venom and the tactics
they employ when hunting their prey. Mambas must kill immediately or their bird prey
would simply fly off. Sea kraits have to hold their breath to hunt, so they need to
subdue their victim before air runs out. Rattlesnakes need powerful pheromones in
their venom to track down their victims. Every snake has a strategy, and it is deployed
specifically for the kind of venom it has on board.
This series will showcase the most dangerous snakes on Earth, but it will also reveal
why they are so lethal.