I genuinely thanked God for going away so soon, for if I had stayed even a moment longer or attempted to touch it, the outcome could have been quite different. What is a Gabon viper? The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is one of Africa’s deadliest snakes and the world’s heaviest venomous snake. Its amazing camouflage allows it to blend in with fallen leaves, making it almost undetectable. Length: can be up to 2 meters.

Weight: up to 8 kg. Fangs: up to 5 centimeters—the longest of any snake. Venom is incredibly potent; it destroys tissue and causes blood coagulation. Behavior: normally peaceful and does not attack without provocation; nevertheless, if stepped on or disturbed, it strikes immediately.

Prey: small mammals and birds; occasionally swallows a hedgehog or small antelope whole. Despite its menacing arsenal, the Gaboon viper rarely bites people, usually only when provoked by accident. However, without antivenom, chances of survival are exceedingly poor. So, yes. I’m not kidding when I say that morning may have been my last.