The black mamba is the longest venomous snake in Africa, around 2.5 to 3.2 m (8.2 to 10 ft) in length, and sometimes growing to lengths of 4.45 m (14.6 ft). It is named for the black colour of the inside of the mouth rather than the colour of its scales which varies from dull yellowish-green to a gun-metal grey.
It is also the fastest snake in the world, capable of moving at 4.32 to 5.4 metres per second (16–20 km/h, 10–12 mph). The black mamba has a reputation for being very aggressive, but it usually attempts to flee from humans like most snakes, unless it is threatened.
A bite from a black mamba is almost always fatal, without rapid and vigorous anti-venom therapy.
The black mamba is widely distributed in a variety of habitats and faces human persecution because of its negative reputation throughout Africa. With the increasing amount of its territory being inhabited by humans, the black mamba often finds itself cornered with no escape.
It will display fearsome tenacity and explosive aggression in this situation. It will stand its ground, while hissing loudly and striking repeatedly. A group of people is usually required to kill it, as it is very fast and agile, striking in all directions while a third of its body 3–4 feet (0.91–1.2 m) is above the ground.
The deep fear of this snake stems not only from its reputation for aggression, speed, agility, and venom toxicity, but from stories and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba