Now, why did I expect a black mamba to be black? So named because the inside of it's mouth - the last thing you see before you check out - is black.
The Black Mamba is what people who fear snakes have nightmares about, a full on monster.
Huge, fast, very very strong, venomous, and yes, it really IS trying to kill you.
There was some "famous" snake handler that loved to work with the vipers of South America. Watched a show or two of his on Discovery Channel.
I don't remember his name, but I did hear that he got bit while in the field last summer or fall and he died.
I think he was Prof. of herpatology or what ever they call themselves besides Darwin candidates at a University.