The venom of the black mamba is highly toxic, chiefly composed of neurotoxins. The venom can potentially cause collapse in humans within 45 minutes, or less. Without effective antivenom therapy, death typically occurs in 7–15 hours.
The black mamba is capable of striking at considerable range and occasionally may deliver a series of bites in rapid succession. However, despite its reputation for being very aggressive, like most snakes, it usually attempts to flee from humans unless threatened or cornered.