This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine Features

The element of surprise gives this rhino viper in Cameroon an edge over prey. Quick-kill venom finishes the job. Vipers provide valuable toxins, including those used in drugs for hypertension and heart disease and to control bleeding during surgery.

See more pictures from the February 2013 feature story "The Bite That Heals."

Learn more about venemous snakes from Emerging Explorer Zoltan Takacs »
See pictures of our world in shades of brown »
See more pictures of snakes »