Vipers are venomous snakes whose long, hinged, hollow fangs inject deadly toxins. Vipers are generally ambush predators and have mouths that can open to almost 180 degrees during a strike. Strikes are primarily aimed at stunning prey though may also be used in self-defence. The 30 genera in the viper family contain over 200 species including rattlesnakes, lanceheads and puff adders. They can be found in unexpected places, living in trees, in water and in the desert, but most live on the ground. Surprisingly, Australia is one of the two continents where vipers are not to be found. The other is - unsurprisingly - Antarctica.

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