There’s no antivenom for this dragon-scaled viper hiding in the treetops

This striking but lethal tree-dweller inhabits the rainforest canopies of Central Africa. The green bush viper is famous for its heavily ridged, pointed scales that give it a spiky, dragon-like appearance.

Because it spends its life draped over low-hanging branches and vines, unsuspecting hikers and researchers frequently get bitten on the hands, arms or face. The venom wreaks havoc on the body’s ability to clot blood, causing severe internal hemorrhaging. To make matters worse, there is no specific, dedicated antivenom available for this species.

These snakes don’t chase down their prey; they rely on absolute stillness, perfect camouflage and a single lightning-fast strike. For anyone trekking through the bush, stepping an inch too close to these hidden reptiles can turn a routine hike into a life-or-death emergency in seconds.

The green bush viper shares its rainforest habitat with other feared species, including the Gaboon viper, which has the longest fangs of any venomous snake, and the bushmaster, the largest venomous snake in the Americas.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/by Clement Bardot