The heavy-bodied Gaboon viper, Bitis gabonica, is well camouflaged by its geometrically patterned skin. An opportunistic feeder, it takes a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles as food. It is known for its extraordinarily long fangs-up to about 5 centimeters (about 2 inches)-which deliver venom deep into the victim's tissue. It is considered extremely dangerous to humans. The species is native to a variety of habitats, from arid steppe to moist forest throughout much of central and southern Africa. Adult females may reach 2 meters (7 feet) in length. Shown here is the distinct West African subspecies, which has two prominent nasal horns
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