Like all other vipers, it is venomous. This species is responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other African snake. The venom has cytotoxic effects and is one of the most toxic of any vipers.
If disturbed, they hiss loudly and continuously, adopting a tightly coiled defensive posture with the forepart of their body held in a taut "S" shape. They may strike suddenly and fast, to the side as easily as forwards, before returning quickly to the defensive position, ready to strike again. During a strike, the force of the impact is so strong, and the long fangs penetrate so deeply, that prey items are often killed by the physical trauma alone.
Mostly nocturnal, they rarely forage actively, preferring, instead, to ambush prey as it strolls by. Their prey includes mammals, birds, amphibians, and lizards.
Sources:
(*) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puff_adder
(*) https://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_puff-adder.html
(*) https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/snake/puff-adder/
(*) https://capesnakeconservation.com/puff-adder/
By Danny S. - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39124642
Snake Slang
The snake's typical size is about 1m. The head is much wider than the neck. This species is probably the most common and widespread snake in Africa. Normally a sluggish species, the puff adder relies on camouflage for protection.
If disturbed, they hiss loudly and continuously, adopting a tightly coiled defensive posture with the forepart of their body held in a taut "S" shape. They may strike suddenly and fast, to the side as easily as forwards, before returning quickly to the defensive position, ready to strike again. During a strike, the force of the impact is so strong, and the long fangs penetrate so deeply, that prey items are often killed by the physical trauma alone.
Mostly nocturnal, they rarely forage actively, preferring, instead, to ambush prey as it strolls by. Their prey includes mammals, birds, amphibians, and lizards.
Sources:
(*) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puff_adder
(*) https://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_puff-adder.html
(*) https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/snake/puff-adder/
(*) https://capesnakeconservation.com/puff-adder/