Gaboon viper vs. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake - Battle of the deadly snakes

[@davedodds5200]

Zoologist Marlin Perkins was once bitten by a Gaboon Viper and described it as having a cigarette ground out on your flesh (or words to that effect; I read this many years ago but never forgot the incident).

[@LivingZoology]

A bite from a Gaboon viper is very serious and extremely painful!

[@johnschlesinger2009]

I read that as well: they were treating the snake, and he got one fang in one finger. At that time, there was no specific antivenom. They gave him three antivenoms. He bled profusely, and they thought there was evidence of neurotoxicity as well. Regarding venom toxicity, Al Coritz ("Viperkeeper") said that there isn't much difference between falling off a twenty story building or a ten story building!

[@slypperyfox]

Maybe that is why he sent Jim out to do the dangerous stuff with the critters while he watched from the safety of the blind.

[@ECC-ec]

I thought Jim took all of the risks, lol

[@tommyduk1779]

A change of pace from you guys. The photography remains a class apart, just phenomenal. Thank you!

[@LivingZoology]

Great that you love the pace and photography too! 🙂

[@Freakskpp]

I agree , the quality of the shots and the eye on the photography is outstanding !

[@LivingZoology]

@@Freakskpp ❤️❤️❤️

[@fabizabo]

You're producing a lot of videos lately. That's great! I just hope for you that the dreaded algorithm does its part - you've done yours wonderfully as always.

[@LivingZoology]

Working hard, yes! But unfortunately, this year the algorithm does not help much and number of views is decreasing. Happy to hear that you love our content 🙏

[@KingNekro]

"The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a bit less robust and is faster than the West African Gaboon Viper" That's one way of calling the Gaboon a fatty. lol

[@LivingZoology]

Honestly, the Gaboon viper is a fat snake 😀

[@kathybradbury]

But it’s all muscle!

[@whatevereyewant]

Still a faster striker. They just really conserve their energy.

[@herpinhippie]

Another awesome video with beautiful footage. 🐍👏

[@LivingZoology]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@stevethomas4310]

A great video as always. That Gaboon viper is one of my favourites, chubby and fabulous.

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much!! Gaboon vipers are awesome!

[@emilemontiere6128]

Maybe a similar video comparing the Black Mamba to an Eastern Brown. Just an idea. Another excellent video by the waý, many thanks.

[@LivingZoology]

We already had both these species in different comparisons last year, but a “battle” of these two is definitely an option 🙂

[@tompriceusmc]

Yeah, or Western Green Mamba Vs Eastern Coral Snake. They have videos that feature both those snakes, but I can't get enough of those two snakes. :)

[@markrumfola9833]

Your crew is very Respected

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much!

[@tommyduk1779]

This is absolutely true.

[@LivingZoology]

@@tommyduk1779 We appreciate that you think so! 🙂

[@iammykhailo]

You are extremely brave people! I will never mess with such beasts! Why did I watch this video for a night?

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you for watching! Don’t worry and sleep well! 🙂

[@rmr7501]

Amazing footage! Already one of my favorite channels

[@LivingZoology]

Wow, thanks! Please check our older videos too! 🙏

[@etmax1]

That was great to see how you get up close and personal in your filming endeavours, it's no wonder the rattlesnake was always rattling, with you that close. In one of your previous videos I think you showed the Gaboon viper striking. I first saw one of these spectacular snakes in Amsterdam zoo in about 1973/4. Absolutely the best camouflage, the only bit that is clearly visible to me when it's lying in leaf litter is the dorsal region that is about 1-2 inches wide, and only because of the shimmer.

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much for watching! It is interesting that some individuals of the same species react very defensively, some don't. One EDB was rattling all the time and the other did not rattle almost at all. Gaboon vipers have perfect camouflage for sure!

[@oscarzambello3533]

Wonderful snakes

[@LivingZoology]

These two species are wonderful, we agree!

[@wolfgangwagner7329]

I have watched quite a few of your videos & appreciate your respect of how both of you treat and handle any species! Amazing!!!!

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching our videos! We do have huge respect for snakes, yes!

[@FrankUnderwoood]

Your videos about these snakes are always fun to watch. They has this old "Animal Planet" feel to them. Just please, stay safe during your travels and while attempting to handle those snakes. Greetings from your north-eastern neighbour! 🤠

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you! Great to hear that our videos have the old AP feeling! We try to be always safe! Greetings to Poland! :)

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

I agree with the overall conclusions, but I think you miss a couple of things in your discussion: 1) Strike Speed: Gaboon Viper. As well as "Fang Size." Point of that is merely that a Gaboon's strike is incredibly fast and will penetrate more than the Rattlesnake. 2) Strike Range: Eastern Diamondback. The Eastern Diamondback can strike can reach roughly half it's body length, meaning it can "reach out and touch someone" from a further distance than the Gaboon can. 3) Habitat: Eastern Diamondback. The Eastern is just more likely to come into conflict with people more than the Gaboon because it's habitat coincides with more people. 4) Anti-venin: Gaboon Viper. Maybe it's because the Eastern does come into more conflict with people, there is well-developed and a large stock of anti-venin. Not to mention that, if you get bitten in North America, you are just closer to good medical care. If the Gaboon lands a bite, you're probably in more trouble. But statistically, you are more likely to get bitten by the Eastern Diamondback. On just a "numbers" case, the Eastern is the more "dangerous" snake, but because of the anti-venin and medical care available, it's less "deadly" than a Gaboon Viper. Then again, more idiot keepers in North America are likely to keep a Gaboon Viper and try "free handling it" so...

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you for watching! We agree with your points and we basically considered all the aspects. We try to keep things simple for viewers to understand so under the category Behavior we considered the strike speed, fangs...As you see, the Gaboon won the category because it is more unpredictable and if it bites you, you are in trouble.

[@herpetologyexploration]

Epic video as always! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you Odin! 🙌

[@Freakskpp]

love it so much ❤ thank you again for your amazing work, dedication and passion about it ❤❤❤

[@LivingZoology]

Our pleasure 😊 Great to hear that you love this video! ❤️

[@nelobro]

Nice video as always! I would love to see a video of: Crotalus atrox vs Bitis gabonica :)

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching! Maybe in the future we will do more combinations!

[@michaelhelfrich7146]

Excellent work

[@rajmukesh77]

Totally awesome 👍

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks a lot! 👍

[@birdie1585]

Both of them fabulousy beautiful snakes, although the Gaboon may have it.... Please, no snake slithers, unless someone wants to perpetuate the many negative stories and folklore about snakes. Snakes progress is about the best it gets in English. They are just walking on their ribs, after all. Fabulous snakes, fabulous filming. Thanks, as ever, for posting

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you for watching! The verb slither or crawl is widely used in English (even in scientific language) and we think that it is ok to use it. Of course many people have negative attitude to snakes and we try to change it!

[@charlesgrotticelli2946]

Another excellent video. Very informative and beautifully photographed. Thank you. P.S. I think your wife is beautiful. You're a very lucky man.

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you kindly! Great that you enjoy watching our footage 🙂 And I agree that Zuzana is beautiful and the best wife ❤️

[@thecrow1437]

awesome "battle" video - can't wait to see lachesis melanocephala/muta/stenophrys in this video series

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much! We plan to make an episode with one of the bushmasters!

[@slypperyfox]

If you’re ever driving thru southeast Ga/Northeastern Fla and run over a speed bump in the middle of nowhere - it ain’t a speed bump = it’s a huge eastern diamondback with a girth as large as the circumference of your thigh!

[@czguy3045]

I was always under the impression that the Gaboon Viper is among the most painful bites of any snake. If taking proximity to humans into consideration, I'm certain the Eastern Diamondback is more dangerous. I understand the Gaboons are relatively difficult to find in the wild but I assure you, Eastern Diamondbacks are not. They are very widespread and if you know their preferred types of locations, they are super easy to find.

[@LivingZoology]

Yes, a bite from a Gaboon viper is extremely painful! EDB is still more common and easier to find than the Gaboon viper, we agree.

[@mariuzkreuz9373]

Very god info about this beautiful species, amazing footage, that rattlesnake looks amazing!

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much! Great that you love both the footage and the information!

[@TheErik249]

Both of these snakes are fine examples of evolutionary perfection. They both have stellar reputations. They both have absolutely beautiful natural camouflage. They're both fat, curvy, and sexy as a snake could ever be. I love both of them.

[@LivingZoology]

We love both these species too! ;) Thanks for watching!

[@LeveLaJambe]

Humm... the Gabon viper on the thumbnail looks a lot like a Rhino viper ?! 😉 Thank you very much for your work and your beautiful images.

[@LivingZoology]

It is the West African gaboon viper 🙂 Check the description of the video. Hopefully you will love the video! 🙂

[@LeveLaJambe]

For me Bitis rhinoceros was the rhino viper and B.gabonica is the gaboon viper. But I think I was misled by the vernacular name that I never use. But I have the impression that in english rhino viper refers to B.nasicornis more than B.rhinoceros ? So I have nothing to say about your thumbnail ❤, but I leave my comment to help SEO. 😉

[@LeveLaJambe]

I just read the description of the video. No possible confusion 😉👌

[@LivingZoology]

@@LeveLaJambe Thanks for asking, it is absolutely ok and good to have some comments under the video 🙂 Yes, the Rhinoceros viper is Bitis nasicornis. The West African gaboon viper is Bitis rhinoceros. It is confusing for many people.

[@LivingZoology]

@@LeveLaJambe Great! 🙂

[@helenlogan6481]

Gaboon vipers r my favourite. Really enjoyed the video

[@LivingZoology]

Glad you enjoyed watching our video!

[@GodsFirmament]

Great job guys! I really enjoyed this video. One suggestion I would make is when you compared the venom it was a bit hard for me to compare the numbers by memory and also I'm not familiar with the scientific terms. But if you ended each by stating "1 drop of this venom can kill 1000 mice and 5 humans. And bite with a full dose of venom can kill 10 000 mice and 200 humans." Something like that would be easier for me to understand. Thanks for the beautiful footage of these deadly creatures. Love from Canada 🇨🇦❤

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much!!! ❤️ The problem with comparing venom toxicity is that you need to have an easily comparable metrics. Estimates about how many people or mice can one bite kill are not very scientific and difficult to compare. Every bite is different, every human/mouse reacts differently. Comparing venom toxicity using LD50 test is the best way we have nowadays. In this test, venom of the Gaboon viper is sligthly more toxic. The lower the value, the more toxic venom.

[@GodsFirmament]

@@LivingZoology yes I understand. Many variables can change the outcome of a bite. Thanks! 😊💙

[@LivingZoology]

@@GodsFirmament Welcome! 🙂

[@kurtdavis7588]

I've worked in forestry management for all my adult working career, mostly in GA/SC. In 1978 my first year I saw the largest the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake I ever saw in a large paper company tract in chesterfield county SC right off pee dee river. I would imagine Chesterfield County would have been the top of their range? By the 1990s I noticed they weren't in the upper coastal plain as much and by my retirement 2007 I basically never saw them. There is still plenty of habitat so it's strange how fast they went away from late 70s seeing them in chesterfield county to 2000s basically down towards Charleston area.

[@lenwolff4580]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@richardhincemon]

There have only been about 7 documented sightings of Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes in NC in the past ten years all at Camp Lejeune Jacksonville NC . When Interstate 42 is completed that will probably be the end of the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake in NC.

[@LivingZoology]

This species is apparently quite sensitive to habitat alteration so the decline could have been pretty fast.

[@kurtdavis7588]

@@richardhincemon really? I looked up the maps and that's actually a decent distance further up north than the pee dee area in SC. I guess EDB rattlesnakes actually are a lot further up than the pee dee area. It's actually quite insane how fast this animal went away in my life time without any significant habitat destruction in the areas in discussing. Definitely more longleaf Sandhill habitat now than there was then

[@kurtdavis7588]

@@LivingZoology I just have to disagree and I wish they would do research on this topic. The area I'm talking about were decimated in 1880s. Government took over vast tracts of land in 1930s. This animal started making a downturn in the 1970s by my estimation. Heck, there is more longleaf sandhill habitation in that area now than in last 150 years it's been protected iver 100 years etc but something happened in last 30 to 40 years. I believe something else happened.

[@nassunarhania]

If you never meet or seen the true gaboon viper , u will simply say that gaboon is not deadly snakes, gaboon is very strong, fast and well suited in the nature, so i will go with gaboon, very nice video.👌

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching.

[@giancarlomacchiavelli2590]

Molto bello grazie

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you very much!

[@vcupiano]

Beautiful animals!

[@LivingZoology]

They are! Thanks for watching!

[@khiyatisonowal1384]

I think the lance head needs a comparison too!!!

[@LivingZoology]

Which species of lancehead? 🙂

[@khiyatisonowal1384]

Any of the lance head species but I find the golden lance head most intriguing!!

[@khiyatisonowal1384]

Any of the species will do. But I find the Golden Lance head most intriguing!!

[@Z7Sakari]

I was half wondering if there would be a “Death Battle” at the end 😁 Glad there wasn’t though.

[@LivingZoology]

Don’t worry, this is only a hypothetical battle 😉

[@llchapman1234]

Unless it's a Beauty Pageant, I don't see how there is a "battles" as neither snake is a cannibal and their habitat ranges don't overlap.

[@LivingZoology]

The name "battle" is mostly used to attract viewers to watch videos with snake topic. After they click we have a chance to educate them with a calm and relaxing approach. This series is about hypothetical battles, better called comparisons.

[@elnet1]

I live in the desert in Northern Nevada, USA. I have coachwhip snakes on my property, they keep the rattlesnakes away.

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidhudson5452]

Snake says ill make you calm

[@LivingZoology]

We hope that you enjoyed watching this video.

[@guido1270]

I would love to have heard comment about the Gaboon's backward strike. It is well known but rarely talked about. I don't think the Diamondback can do it. It sounds unimpressive, since most any snake, such as a rattlesnake, can turn its head 180 degrees in an instant and then strike forward, "effectively" striking backward. But I assure you if you have not seen it that it is a magical, horrifying, and extra dangerous capability. They can do it from their favorite lazy S curve position, resulting in a much longer strike to their rear than their forward strike ever is. Zero warning, of course. Just an explosion.

[@LivingZoology]

We have seen backward strikes in Puff adders and the Gaboon viper. It is a powerful capability, yes! Rattlesnakes usually turn their head towards the danger before they strike. They have pit organs so they track your presence better.

[@slypperyfox]

I assume they will never meet face to face,right? One indigenous to SE USA the other indigenous to Asia/Africa?

[@pinkguycomments69]

Randy Orton vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

[@BoZo_TheOnly]

The reason why i searched for this video

[@JamieMcginnis-fh2kr]

Rattlesnake, neurotoxin, Gaboon Viper, neurotoxin, cytotoxin, and cardiotoxin, Gaboon Viper is more deadly, but a rattlesnake can absolutely kill you!

[@mackdog3270]

Besides, I've encountered a rattlesnake in the wild and he let me know exactly where he was. I just gave him a look then walked around. Most rattlesnakes are considerate that way. Not all though

[@LivingZoology]

Yes, many rattlesnakes will rattle and let you know where they are as a warning. Many will not do that.

[@Kings___Vii]

What a camouflage

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrGert1960]

Many years ago I kept both species. My Eastern Diamond was over 6ft long; it was the biggest C.adamanteus i've ever seen. I've still it fangs (25mm). I fed the snake with rats and rabbits. Also I remember a Gaboon viper's fang lying on the floor of a terrarium; 33mm length! And it was a "mid-sized" Gaboon. Thank you for this awesome clip!

[@LivingZoology]

Both these species have huge fangs! As you say, 33mm is a fang length typical for a mid-sized Gaboon viper 🙂 It is a pity that wild EDBs nowadays don’t grow as large as they used to before they were massively hunted. Thank you for watching!

[@MrGert1960]

@@LivingZoology Yes, I agree. It's surely hard to find such big ones today. Unfortunately, there are still shows in the USA where rattlesnakes are killed and skinned in front of an audience! I hate such people! As far I know the longest Crotalus adamanteus measured 258cm without rattle! Crotalus atrox (220cm) & Crotalus basiliscus (210cm) are the other two species reaching 2m. I had 2 C.adamanteus (one was much much smaller) and a C.atrox (Western Diamondback) too. Both species were very easily excited. My Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) - pair and my Crotalus scutulatus salvini (Huamantlan Rattler) were the complete opposite. Very very calm creatures! Thanks again for your great footage. Wish you all the best!

[@LivingZoology]

@@MrGert1960 It is terrible that rattlesnakes are still being killed in front of an audience in the USA! The longest EDB reliably measured and recorded according to our info was about 2.4 meters long (we mention it in the video). It is cool how some rattlesnakes are so calm and almost don’t rattle at all! Thanks again for watching and all the best to you too!

[@alvisepasquon5061]

Krait vs Australian Tiger Snake

[@LivingZoology]

Why these two? 🙂

[@alvisepasquon5061]

@@LivingZoology i like the colours the krait is banded like a Tiger..well no so exactly.. anyway It could be a strange but nice video..than of u have other idea a chinese krait vs..?

[@LivingZoology]

@@alvisepasquon5061 The pattern is only slightly similar. We will think about which snake could be in a “battle” with some krait species.

[@AlfredCharlesworth]

exellent

[@LivingZoology]

Thank you!

[@ECC-ec]

the gaboon crawls on its ribs ..?

[@altaccaltacc7652]

Gaboon viper have larger venom yield and longer fangs than the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.

[@LivingZoology]

Did you watch the video or what??

[@altaccaltacc7652]

@LivingZoology Well, no but I did read it on the internet

[@isaacstone7899]

I believe viper is ine of death aggressively and speed attack like jumping strikes. I remember I watched desert horned viper.

[@LivingZoology]

???

[@Jwinius]

Both species are capable of delivering a fatal bite, but whether that happens depends on many factors. These include the state of the animal (health, anxiety) and its actual size, the percentage of venom still in its glands before the bite, the geographic location of the bite and time of year (factors that can influence diet and thus venom toxicity), how deep the venom is injected, where on the body the venom is injected, how calm the victim can remain after the bite, the size, health and age of the victim, the sensitivity of the victim to the venom, possible allergic reactions to the venom, the quality and speed of first aid received, the distance that must be traveled to receive professional medical attention, whether the victim is forced to self-transport, how long it takes before professional medical attention is administered as well as the eventual quality thereof, the quality and quantity of the anti-venom available, whether or not the victim is allergic to the anti-venom, and if not, whether enough anti-venom is received. Generally, considering that globally more people die annually of bee stings than of snake bites due to allergic reactions, all venomous snake bites should be taken seriously. Oh, and if you're bitten in the United States and survive, the resulting medical bill may ruin you financially. Some species are considered more dangerous than others because they are more likely to bite, more numerous (faster breeders) than other species and more likely to be attracted to human habitation. Finally, rural and impoverished populations are more likely to die or suffer severe consequences when bitten.

[@LivingZoology]

Yes, there are many factors that can come into play. Every snake is different and every bite is different. In this series we try to use 5 categories in order to compare two species in a hypothetical "battle".

[@scotabot7826]

Safari boy knows he better stay far away from the Eastern Diamondback. He's also too complacent with the Gaboon!!!

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching!

[@Warriorking.1963]

Good video, but why don't you narrate it instead of having us read the subtitles?

[@LivingZoology]

Many of our viewers love the fact that we only have natural sounds in our videos. Also, paying a narrator for each video is too expensive.

[@Warriorking.1963]

@@LivingZoology Fair enough mate, and I suppose you can't please everybody. But, as for the price of a narrator, your own voice would do the job perfectly.

[@LivingZoology]

@@Warriorking.1963 Some videos we narrate by ourselves. Check On the trail of a snake videos on our channel 😉

[@KhaiNguyen-nn5ue]

Tôi sợ rắn 😩 có ai giống như tôi.cho xem cánh tay 🤣✋ ói chúa ơi.nó ngụy trang nhìn thấy sợ quá 😮😮

[@mowillusmowillanus5385]

Hmm - i hope you stick to your strengths in providing first class animal footage and info and that this title isn‘t foreboding a click-baiting practice. I really don’t see why this should be framed as a „battle“. You got me worried here.

[@LivingZoology]

Don't worry, this video is based on our type of footage :) It is, let's say a hypothetical battle or a comparison. Many people want to know which snake is more deadly. We use 5 categories and compare 2 species. It is more a clickbait to those who seek overdramatized snake content and if they start to watch our video we have a chance to show them how peaceful snakes are! You can check previous 3 episodes, they were successful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_Wl6Sooddmps0

[@TheTinoXL]

Don't be so soft

[@tommyworles5344]

Most people would know that they are not actually batting when i saw the title i knew it would be a comparison between the two. So theres no click bait in the title

[@jonkaylor7483]

Don't need to watch this boring crap but sum it up in like 2 minutes! I might literally use the back ground noise as sleep ASMR

[@tommyworles5344]

@@jonkaylor7483 oh well might be boring to you but what have you done today to educate thousands of people. Im betting nothing.

[@JessMccusker-fh3ue]

Two of my favorite venomous snakes Eastern Diamondback always ready to strike Gaboon more docile I would think Gaboon is alot deadlier as for venom

[@LivingZoology]

Both of these snakes don’t have particularly toxic venom but they inject huge quantities!

[@naturerealoaded]

❤❤

[@LivingZoology]

We hope that you will love this video!

[@juhanilaasonen4212]

Keep calm

[@LivingZoology]

Thanks for watching.

[@mattmc9812]

Gaboon viper has 2 inch fangs . Gaboon viper wins

[@LivingZoology]

The size of fangs is not the most important thing.

[@redhouaneredhouane6259]

my cat can beat them both