Threat display of the Black Mambas

in #snake7 years ago

b mamba 3.jpg
Are snakes looking for every opportunity to attack humans? The answer is an emphatic NO!
How can I know this? - It is because most snakes have some form of THREAT DISPLAY.
What is a THREAT DISPLAY?
It is a warning. Danger. Go away.
Snakes have different strategies of survival in the wild. Most follow the pattern below.

First. Concealment. If they are not seen then they will not be hurt.

Second. Retreat. Move away at the first sign of danger or at the first opportunity provided. This is why it is hard to catch wild snakes - they slither away from you!

Third. If cornered, approached or surprised - Give a warning - Show a threat display.

Last. STRIKE.

If Snakes attacked humans like humans attack snakes - we would be in trouble.

This photo shows a Black Mamba giving a WARNING. Drawing his head back into a striking position. Flattening his neck (a little like a cobra spreading a hood). Opening his mouth revealing the black inside. It is giving an audible hisssss.
One of two things will happen now - (i) If the threat to the snake steps back - the mamba will quickly disappear. (ii) If the threat to the snake does not retreat or if it moves forward - the mamba will strike.

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You made a point there about snakes and humans

opps.its not good.so long and big.
but i like this.thanks for shearing

I must admit I didn't know snakes exhibit threat display before striking, thanks for the enlightenment.

If Snakes attacked humans like humans attack snakes - we would be in trouble.

I think this is very true8

They can still strike without first showing a threat display, like when stood on. Also we might not see a threat display and unknowingly walk towards a snake which then thinks it is under attack and strikes.

Nice pic and good posting

a good position to stab a prey.

Still, I affraid of it. Better I the one will run away.
🤗

Snake so scarry

Blaack mambaa is daangerous heh

wow ,,amazing