Behavior
Most of the members of this genus (for example green mambas) are arboreal. However, the black mamba is terrestrial. They are diurnal: during the day, they actively hunt their prey of small mammals, birds, and lizards, and return to the same lair nightly.
Mambas are related to the cobras (Elapidae); their threat display, when they stretch a slightly smaller "hood" while gaping their mouth, is similar.
Many people believe that the black mamba will chase and attack humans. However, this is probably misunderstood because of the speed with which this species can move. The black mamba usually uses its speed to escape from threats. Humans are actually their main predators, rather than their prey; mambas generally avoid contact with humans.
Read more about this topic: Mamba
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