The black mamba is Africa's most venomous snake. It can grow up to 14 feet long and weighs up to 3.5 kg. Though fast, it uses its speed to escape predators rather than hunt prey. It gets its name from the black color inside its mouth, not its skin which is typically olive to grey. Found in grasslands and woodlands of central, eastern, and southern Africa, it is mainly threatened by mongooses which prey on young snakes and eggs.