Why go on with the drama of the "deadliest" snake? This is just the sort of thing that continues to promote killing snakes, including the fact we still have "rattlesnake roundups" in this country. ALL VENOMOUS SNAKES CAN BE LETHAL! The question for general purposes should be what snake is the most dangerous. That too holds differentials. IE...snake condition, person bit, type of snake, health of person, available antivenom, knowlege of healthcare staff..etc.
You could have a sick Ophiophagus that will give you less then optimum venom yields, and an extremely healthy Agkistrodon ssp that blows the toxcicty level off the charts. It is all about variables. True, Oxuranus, Dendraspis, even Bitis have exremely toxic venom, but what is the chance of true envenomation if the animal is handled properly.
The talk of how deadly snakes are only serves the purpose to those who wish to end our research and passion with these unique and beautiful creatures.
If you're asking this question because you think you may get bit, then, try keeping lizards, (barring heloderma}..maybe geckos. Have you seen the GEICO commercials...Phelsuma may be the answer.
Just my 5 cents!

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