Don't let its diminutive size fool you: the Saw-Scaled Viper is a master of menace. Inhabiting the arid regions from Africa to the Indian subcontinent, this viper packs a lethal dose of venom, making it one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Its signature move, a “sizzling" sound created by rubbing segments of its body together, serves as a chilling prelude to its lightning-fast strike.

Despite its reputation, the saw-scaled viper only causes fatalities in fewer than 10% of its showdowns. That's nothing compared to the King Cobra, whose attack kills over half of its victims, and the black mamba, whose untreated fatality rate is almost 100%. Yet, its knack for hanging out in populated areas cranks up the danger dial, so it's best to stay vigilant.