What is Venom?
Venom is a complex mixture of toxic substances produced by certain animals for the purpose of defense or predation. It is a potent cocktail of proteins, peptides, and enzymes that can cause harm or even death to other animals or humans.
Types of Venomous Animals
- Snakes
- Scorpions
- Spiders
- Jellyfish
How Venom Works
When a venomous animal injects its venom into a victim through a bite, sting, or other means, the venom molecules travel through the bloodstream, affecting various organs and systems in the body. Some venoms can cause paralysis, while others can lead to internal bleeding or tissue damage.
Examples of Venomous Creatures
One of the most well-known venomous animals is the Black Mamba snake, which has a powerful neurotoxic venom that can kill a human in as little as 20 minutes. Another example is the Brazilian wandering spider, whose venom can cause intense pain and muscle spasms.
Case Studies
In 2015, a man in Australia was bitten by a funnel-web spider and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment with an antivenom. Without prompt medical intervention, he could have died from the spider’s venom.
Statistics on Venomous Animal Attacks
- According to the World Health Organization, around 5.4 million snakebites occur each year, resulting in up to 138,000 deaths.
- Scorpion stings cause an estimated 1.2 million envenomings annually, with over 3,500 fatalities.
