The Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), is an elapid snake native to Somalia and northeastern Kenya[citation needed] and is one of Africa's most dangerous and feared snakes. It is also known for being very aggressive when disturbed or confronted and will not hesitate to strike with deadly precision.[1] The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second longest venomous snake in the world. Adult black mambas have an average length of 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) and a maximum length of 4.5 meters (~14 ft). Of the venomous snakes of the world, only the King Cobra is longer. [2] The name "black mamba" is somewhat confusing because it contradicts the snake's actual color. Its body is not black at all; the name is given to it because of its inky black mouth. Normally, mambas have a dark olive, olive green, grey brown, or metal color. Some of them have a light band around their body. As mambas get older, their skin begins to darken. The black mamba is reputed to be the fastest moving snake in the world, and has been claimed to move at up to 19.5 km/h (12 mph).
