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Giant Viper: 3x Bigger Than King Cobra Found!
23 Jan
Summary
- Fossilized vertebrae revealed an extinct viper, Laophis crotaloides.
- This ancient viper weighed 57 pounds and measured up to 13 feet.
- Laophis crotaloides lived in Greece approximately 4 million years ago.
A remarkable discovery in Greece has revealed Laophis crotaloides, an extinct viper species that significantly outsized the king cobra, currently recognized as the largest venomous snake. Initially identified from 13 fossilized vertebrae in 1857 by Richard Owen, the findings were later corroborated by additional fossil discoveries.
These fossils indicate that Laophis crotaloides was a formidable viper, weighing approximately 57 pounds and measuring between 10 and 13 feet in length. This makes it roughly three times heavier than the average king cobra. The snake lived in Greece around 4 million years ago, inhabiting environments with grasslands and thick vegetation.
Researchers believe Laophis crotaloides likely consumed small mammals, similar to modern snakes. While its specific venom type remains unknown, its viper classification suggests a potent venom capable of causing tissue damage and severe pain, delivered via long, hollow fangs.
