Horned and Dangerous, The Rhinoceros Viper (Bitis nasicornis) (10 Pics)

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Bitis nasicornis is a venomous viper species found in the forests of West and Central Africa. A big viper, it is known for its striking color pattern and prominent horns on its nose. Its common names include rhinoceros viper, river jack, rhinoceros horned viper, riverjack, and horned puff adder.

Bitis nasicornis is considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes of Africa. Small doses of the snake's hemotoxic venom can be deadly. Bitis nasicornis has both neurotoxic, as well as hemotoxic venom, as do most other venomous snakes. The hemotoxic venom in rhinoceros vipers is much more dominant. This venom attacks the circulatory system of the snake's victim, destroying tissue and blood vessels. Internal bleeding also occurs. When not in use, the rhino viper's fangs are folded up into the roof of the snake's mouth. The snake has the ability to control the movement of its fangs. Simply because the rhino viper may open its mouth does not mean that the fangs will flip down into place. These fangs penetrate deep into the victim and the small doses of venom flow through the hollow fangs into the wound.

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitis_nasicornis