Ep 17. Venomous!

In the season 8 episode 17 of Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown, viewers are taken on a journey exploring some of the world's most venomous animals. From snakes to scorpions, viewers will be terrified and fascinated by these deadly creatures.

The episode begins with a look at the king cobra. Found in the forests of Southeast Asia, the king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of growing up to 18 feet in length. Its venom is potent enough to kill a fully grown elephant or 20 people in one bite. Host Jack Hanna introduces viewers to researchers who are studying the king cobra to learn more about its habits and venom.

Next up, viewers learn about the Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider. Found in Central and South America, this spider's venom can cause intense pain, paralysis, and potentially death. Jack Hanna travels to a research facility in Brazil where scientists are studying the venom of the wandering spider to find new treatments for diseases.

The episode then takes a turn towards the ocean and explores the venomous creatures that lurk beneath the waves. Viewers are introduced to the box jellyfish, one of the most lethal creatures in the sea, with venom that can cause cardiac arrest and death in just a few minutes. Experts working at the Australian Tropical Marine Research Facility in Townsville, Australia, are studying the sting of the box jellyfish to develop an antidote.

Moving on from the jellyfish, the show explores the deadly stonefish. Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the stonefish is the world's most venomous fish. It has 13 sharp spines along its back that can deliver a potentially lethal venom. Jack Hanna travels to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to witness firsthand the effect of the stonefish's venom and witness how emergency services can rapidly respond to someone who has been stung.

The next segment of the episode explores the venom of the cone snail. Found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the cone snail uses a unique venom to paralyze its prey. Scientists are currently researching the venom of the cone snail to find new treatments for chronic pain.

Moving on to the land, the show takes a look at the venom of the funnel web spider. Found in eastern Australia, this spider is one of the most venomous in the world and is capable of killing a human in just 15 minutes. Jack Hanna explores the venom of the funnel web spider and encounters some of these deadly spiders up close.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, where viewers can witness a live demonstration of the different types of venomous snakes found in the United States. From rattlesnakes to copperheads, viewers will see these creatures up close and learn about their deadly venom.

Overall, Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown season 8 episode 17 is an informative and thrilling exploration of some of the world's most venomous creatures. From the deadly king cobra to the lethal box jellyfish, viewers will be left with a newfound respect for these deadly creatures and the scientific discovery that could one day help cure diseases and save lives.