Believing This To Be A Spider Is A Bird’s Worst Mistake In Iran

Iran is filled with dangerous terrain, and as it turns out, the animals that inhabit it are just as lethal. One of the most efficient killers in the animal kingdom, the spider-tailed horned viper, resides here and he’s justifiably terrifying.

With its barb-like tail, the snake lures birds flying overhead in under false pretenses that it’s a spider. Foolishly, they land on the snake’s skin; soon, it reveals itself in a murderously spectacular fashion. Watch it in action below.

Iran seems like a pretty tough place to live without ninja snakes being camouflaging themselves in the rocks. You’d think birds would learn their lesson, but time and time again, these hunters out-maneuver their prey.