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== Predatory behavior == | == Predatory behavior == | ||
Black mambas are [[diurnal]] snakes (active during the day) and can be seen hunting during the day or night. Their primary source of food are [[warm-blooded]] animals. You | Black mambas are [[diurnal]] snakes (active during the day) and can be seen hunting during the day or night. Their primary source of food are [[warm-blooded]] animals. You won't see them trying to take on something much larger than them, their food usually consists of small [[rodents]], ground [[squirrels]], or in some cases other small [[mammals]]. In the process of hunting the mamba will strike its prey twice and then wait for the [[venom]] to settle in. The venom the mambas uses is a [[neurotoxin]] which after a short period of time will paralyze the prey. Once the prey has been totally paralyzed the snake will move in and eat its meal. When hunting a bird the mamba will then wait and snatch the bird with its mouth and hold on to prevent any chance of the prey getting away. Digestion of the prey usually takes anywhere from 8-10 hours at the most. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* [http://www.wikipedia.com Black Mamba] Wikipedia, , 2008. | * [http://www.wikipedia.com Black Mamba] Wikipedia, , 2008. | ||
* [http://www.nationalgeographic.com Black mamba Animal] National Geographic, 1996-2008 . | * [http://www.nationalgeographic.com Black mamba Animal] National Geographic, 1996-2008 . | ||
* [http://www.animalcorner.co.uk Black Mamba Reproduction] Animal Corner, 2003. | * [http://www.animalcorner.co.uk Black Mamba Reproduction] Animal Corner, 2003. | ||
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