Snake Animal Facts – AZ Animals

Key Points:

• Only 200 of 600 venomous snakes have enough potency to harm a human.
• Snakes can be found on every continent on Earth – except Antarctica.
• Even though they have teeth – snakes do not chew their food, they swallow it whole.

Snakes are a form of legless reptiles, covering over 4,000 different species around the world.

Also known by the scientific name Serpentes they are easily noticeable by their elongated body that seemingly looks like a head with a long tail. Their bodies are incredibly strong, though this strength is used for multiple purposes.

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Snakes have a close relationship to lizards, which are also reptiles. While snakes have no eyelids or ear holes, they have become a well-loved pet by many eclectic owners. The serpent, a mythical symbol that is broadly known everywhere, is simply another term for it.

5 Incredible Snake Facts!

Here are a few interesting facts about these reptiles:

• Out of over 4,000 different species, only 600 are venomous. Snakes like the gopher snake and kingsnakes are nonvenonmous. Only 200 of these snakes have enough potency to harm a human.
• Though they are a reptile, like a lizard is, they have no eyelids or ear holes.
• Snakes do not chew their food, despite the presence of teeth. Instead, they swallow it whole.
• These reptiles can be found on every continent but Antarctica.
• The snake to have lived the longest is located in Missouri and she is 62 years old.

Snake Scientific Name

These reptiles go by the scientific name Serpentes and belong to the kingdom Animalia and Phylum Chordata. Their class is called Reptilia and the order is called Squamata. The clade is called Ophidia.

Serpentes, which is often shortened to the serpent in mythical stories, comes from the Latin word “serpō,” which means “creep” or “crawl.”

Health and Entertainment for your Snake

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Snake Appearance

Snakes are reptiles, but they noticeably have no legs. However, not every legless reptile is known as a snake. Seemingly, the only components to a snake are their head and their tail, which takes up the entire length of their body. Some snakes are as short as 4.1 inches (like the Barbados thread snake), though the longest snake in the world (which is the reticulated python) is over 20 feet long.

The teeth of these reptiles will vary by the species as well. Many species have several needle-sharp teeth, but venomous species have fangs. Venomous snakes typically store the venom in glands in the in the head behind their eyes. Only about 600 snake species are venomous. A snake, sometimes referred to as a serpent, has no earholes, but its ears are internal.

These reptiles are covered in scales, though they have skin like humans underneath them. Some snakes have keeled scales with a ridge down the center of each scale, and others have smooth scales. The markings are determined by the species, but there is hardly a color that you won’t see. The color is sometimes a sign of how dangerous the snake is, but the pattern will help differentiate the threats from harmless animals. Snakes come in every color of the rainbow, including red, green, yellow, blue, and black.

Rattlesnakes have a large rattle at the end of their tail, which emits a loud noise to let animals and humans to keep away. It is also important to note that there are some animals that look like snakes, but aren’t.

The body of the animal is also indicative of the way that the snake hunts. Animals with long and thin bodies are usually more active hunters, often chasing down their prey; while short yet thick snakes typically sit and wait for their prey.

Read here to learn more about the anatomy of snakes. Also, read here to learn about the most colorful snakes in the world.

Some snakes look like dragons. Read here to find out about them.

Snake Behavior

When it comes to hunting, snakes have an incredible sense of smell that they rely on. As they flick out their tongue, they seek out the chemicals in the air. Other snakes will use their ability to detect body heat. Constriction and venom tend to be the main ways that the prey is overpowered.

These reptiles seek out the right environment to keep their body warm since their cold-blooded body is unable to regulate their temperature internally. Snakes move back and forth between warm and cool areas, depending on their needs.

Snakes shed their skin as they grow; many shed 2-4 times per year. The shedding process can be rather uncomfortable, but it is a healthy process that reptiles undergo.

Though some species produce venom, the majority do not. Only 600 species have any kind of venom, and only a third of those venomous snakes have the capacity to wound humans at all, and even fewer can fatally kill them. Learn about the toughest animals in the world here.

Though humans are not a natural part of the reptile’s diet, it will bite if it feels threatened. In certain species, this bite can be fatal. There are scary and dangerous species in the world, the most lethal being the saw-scaled viper, killing more humans than any other species.

Read about the most dangerous animals on earth to humans here.

Common Types of Snakes

The following list includes some common types of snakes found around the world:

• Pythons – Pythons are a family of snakes consisting of 42 total recognized species. These reptiles can be found mostly in Asia, Australia, and Africa; however, the Burmese python was introduced in the Florida Everglades and is currently considered an invasive species. Most species in this family are “ambush predators” meaning they remain motionless and strike as prey passes by.
• Elapids – Most elapids are commonly referred to as “cobras;” however, not all elapids are cobras. These snakes are characterized by the erect, venomous fangs at the front of their mouths, and species can be terrestrial or aquatic. Elapids are endemic to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.
• Rattlesnakes – Rattlesnakes are found on the American continents and are characterized by the rattle at the end of their tails which they use to scare off predators. Although rattlesnakes rarely attack humans unless provoked, rattlesnake bites are the leading cause for snakebite injuries in North America. They are an example of pit vipers of the Viperidae family of snakes.
• Garters – Garter snakes are generally harmless snakes found throughout North and Central America. These snakes were long believed to be non-venomous, but recent studies have determined that they produce a neurotoxic venom which is too mild to injure or kill a human.

Snake Habitat

Snakes are quite versatile, and many types work in the climates of the world. Though the only continent without snakes is Antarctica, there are a few countries that aren’t home to any native snake, including Ireland, New Zealand, and Iceland. Alaska is one of the few states that also has no native species.

The typical habitat is just as broad as where they can live. In water-based and land-based environments alike, these reptiles can also be found in tropical areas. While the water moccasin and the water snake commonly live near and in water, most snakes live on land. Based on the species, snakes can live in deserts, prairies, grasslands, and the rainforest.

Snake Diet

These reptiles have a carnivorous diet, meaning that their diet entirely consists of other animals. They can choose warm-blooded or cold-blooded animals, seeking out amphibians, insects, and mammals; some species feed exclusively on other snakes and lizards.

Though every snake will consume their prey whole, the way that they render them helpless varies. Boas and pythons will bite their prey to hold onto them, wrapping their body around and squeezing the life from the prey. If the animal has fangs, it will deliver venom to its prey. The venom comes from a sac that is hidden behind the eyes.

Snake Predators and Threats

These reptiles are rather quick and effective predators, but they are also the prey of many different animals. One of the biggest predators of these reptiles is humans because some people hunt them for meat, clothing, and many other purposes. However snakes in general aren’t considered endangered.

The population of these reptiles can be negatively impacted by deforestation, hunting, and climate change. Ultimately, the threat that the snake faces is specific to many factors, like the species, where they live, and how much meat that they provide. Learn about some snakes that are endangered here.

To learn about some snakes that don’t bite, read here.

What Eats Snakes?

These reptiles may be rather impressive hunters, but animals like large birds and coyotes have made these reptiles into a regular part of their diet. They are also hunted by mongooses, wild boars, foxes, raccoons, and other game that can pick them up and consume them. Some snake species prey on other snakes – king snakes, indigo snakes, and king cobras are good examples.

Luckily, each species has its own way to defend itself against threats. Camouflage plays a major role in their defense, hiding for additional coverage. Venomous species will bite as a last resort, but they generally try to flee instead.

What Do Snakes Eat?

Since all of these reptiles are carnivores, there are many small animals that can become their prey. The diet that the animal consumes is based on their species. Insects, amphibians, earthworms, slugs, fish, rodents, rabbits, and birds are all possible foods. Some snakes eat eggs.

Read here to discover some snakes that eat fish and some snakes that eat birds.

Snake Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

The reproduction process of these reptiles is primarily a process of internal fertilization. Most species intertwine their bodies with that of their partner, and the male releases the sperm from one of the two organs it has. The female doesn’t necessarily become pregnant with her young right away; some females can store the male’s sperm for 2-5 years before fertilization.

The species will determine the type of birth that the female has. Rattlesnakes and garter snakes give birth to their babies as live young, which makes them ovoviviparous. However, species like the ball python and the corn snake lay eggs, making them oviparous. In fact, approximately 70% of all these reptiles are oviparous, rather than ovoviviparous.

The number of eggs or live young will vary greatly. For snakes that give birth to live young, about 10-30 are born in each litter, though the diamondback water snake can have up to 40 babies in a litter. The live-bearing females often find a sheltered spot where they give birth to the babies. For the species that lay eggs, the clutch size varies significantly. While the ball python may only lay a single egg, some clutches are up to 100 eggs annually.

The species of snake determine their lifespan. While smaller species (like the garter snake) live for less than ten years, the various types of boas can leave for about 25 to 50 years. As of September 2020, the longest living snake is a ball python who is currently 62 years old and lives in the St. Louis Zoo of Missouri.

Snake Population

With over 4,000 types of snakes around the world, the total population varies from country to country. Interestingly, there are a few countries that have no known native species of snakes at all, including Antarctica. Here is a compilation of pre-historic snakes.

Although most snakes are not dangerous to people, they are largely misunderstood and unpopular.

Though there are some species with lower populations, snakes (as a whole) are classified as “not extinct” by the IUCN. Here is a list of the most popular snakes in the world.

Read about the rarest snakes in the world here.

Snakes In the Zoo

These reptiles can be found at nearly every major zoo, allowing the public to become more informed of the types of this reptile that span across the globe. Most often, the zoos will include snakes that are local to their region, so the species will vary from one location to the next.

When visiting this reptile, most species will simply relax in their tank. However, some zoos (like the Virginia Living Museum) features demonstrations outside of the tanks to allow patrons to get a closer look. With more awareness of and information about snakes, the fear typically associated with these animals can be reduced.

Snakes that live in zoos may not exhibit the same outward symptoms of illness that they show in the wild. Zookeepers are incredibly familiar with the behavior that these snakes show when they are ill, allowing them to get fast treatment when they become sick.

Some types of snakes can be kept as pets, like the corn snake or the rosy boa.

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Types of Snakes

Banded Krait

What often prevents more people from falling victim is that the banded krait does not always inject venom in a defensive bite. It saves the venom for hunting prey instead.

Bird Snake

Usambara vine snakes sit perfectly still and sway in the wind like a stick.

Bismarck Ringed Python

When these snakes are babies, they look like Halloween snakes with their bright orange and black bands.

Black Mamba

Black mambas are the longest venomous snake in Africa, and second longest in the world.

Black Rat Snake

They’re also called black pilot snakes due to a myth that they “pilot” venomous snakes to a den where they can go into brumation for the winter.

Blue Racer

Some blue racers have smooth scales that are solid electric blue while others are grayish or brownish.

Bredl’s Python

These snakes love to climb trees, and young snakes often hide high in the branches.

Brown Snake

Causes the most snake bite deaths in Australia!

Brown Tree Snake

Because the brown tree snake’s fangs are located in the back of their mouths, they can rarely bite humans and inject venom unless the snake is very large in size.

Bullsnake

Considered “The farmer’s friend” because it eats mice and other vermin.

California Kingsnake

A full-grown California kingsnake can be about 3.5 feet long, though there are some cases in Mexico of the snake being almost twice this size.

Cascabel

Cascabels rely on their camouflage first, and rattle if that doesn’t work.

Cat Snake

Some cat snakes have a prehensile tail that helps them climb into trees.

Cat-Eyed Snake

Evidence indicates that females can delay fertilization and store sperm for later years to produce eggs even in the absence of contact with a male!

Checkered Garter Snake

It has the ability to expel a stinky liquid from its body as a way to make predators (and humans) retreat!

Chinese Cobra

Juvenile Chinese cobras have the ability to start hunting almost from the moment they hatch from the eggs.

Coastal Taipan

The venom in its bite starts to have adverse effects on a human within 30 minutes

Cobras

Several medicines have been created using cobra venom.

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Corn Snake

Corn snakes are partly arboreal and are excellent climbers.

Cuban Boa

One of the only snakes observed using cooperative hunting tactics.

Death Adder

The Death Adder is more closely related to the Cobra than other Australian snakes.

Desert Ghost Ball Python

Desert ghost ball pythons are even more beautiful when they’re bred with another type like enchi ball pythons.

Desert Kingsnake

The desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened.

Diamond python

These pythons live at higher altitudes and further south than any other python species.

Dumeril’s Boa

Some tribes believe that the snake’s skin holds the souls of their ancestors.

Dwarf Boa

Some species can change color from dark to light, and back again.

Eastern Green Mamba

It is completely arboreal, and its green color is one of the adaptations that make life in the trees possible.

False Cobra

When it feels threatened, it mimics a cobra in an attempt to dissuade a potential attacker.

Fierce Snake

It can kill multiple humans with the amount of venom it releases in one bite.

Fire Ball Python

The fire ball python morph is known for its rich golden and reddish-brown coloration.

Flying Snake

Flying snakes are the only gliding limbless vertebrates or animals with a backbone.

Forest Cobra

There are three different color morphs, which entirely depend on the region that they live in.

Fox Snakes

In some areas, fox snakes and gopher snakes have crossbred in the wild.

Freeway Ball Python

Freeway ball pythons come from breeding yellow belly and asphalt ball pythons.

Green Mamba

Green mambas are fast, and can travel up to 7 miles per hour.

Green Snake

There are two types of green snakes: smooth green snakes and rough green snakes

Ground Snake

It’s sometimes called a miter snake due to the marking on its head that looks like a bishop’s miter

Habu Snake

Unlike most pit vipers, the Habu gives birth to live young.

Harlequin Snake

Red touches yellow kills a fellow, red touches black a friend of Jack.

Horned Adder

Males tend to be more brightly colored than females, and females are significantly bigger than males.

Indian python

Kaa from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book was an Indian Python.

Indigo Snake

Indigo snakes use brute force to overpower their prey.

Inland Taipan

A single inland taipan bite has enough venom to kill a hundred men.

Jamaican Boa

When a Jamaican boa is coiled up, it almost looks like two snakes together because of color pattern.

Jungle Carpet Python

Their stunning coloration is sometimes muddy yellow or even tan and black in the wild.

King Rat Snake

When threatened or frightened, the king rat snake has the ability to produce a foul-smelling substance out of self defense.

Malayan Krait

It’s called the five-step snake because if a person is bitten, they can walk about five steps before dying.

Mamushi Snake

The Mamushi snake, which is also known as the Japanese moccasin or the Japanese pit viper, can grow to be over two feet long.

Mandarin Rat Snake

“This docile snake is a popular and long-lived pet – though challenging to care for – with a lifespan of up to 21 years!”

Mojave Ball Python

Instead of the typically banded or ‘alien head’ patterning of most ball python morphs, the Mojave morph’s patterning is characterized by lots of large, circular splotches with small, dark brown dots in their centers.

Mole Snake

“The mole snake can reach a length of 6.8 feet”

Monocled Cobra

The monocled cobra is responsible for the highest fatality rate of any snake in all of Thailand.

Moonglow Boa

Moonglow boas are the result of mixing three genetic traits.

Night Adder

Night adders are small, slender snakes that, despite the name, are actually most active during the day.

Olive python

The olive python is a gentle giant that is rarely aggressive.

Orange Dream Ball Python

The “Orange Dream” name came from the idea that the morph would make its first breeder a million dollars.

Panda Pied Ball Python

The panda pied ball python morph is a combination of the piebald and black pastel traits.

Parrot Snake

The parrot snake shows off with bright green and bronze colors that cover its entire body.

Pipe Snake

Some of these snakes flatten their neck and raise their heads to imitate cobras if they’re threatened.

Pit Viper

Pit vipers’s fangs fold up into their mouths when they don’t need them.

Pygmy python

These snakes have been seen traveling as group of 3-5.

Python

Female pythons lay eggs and defend them until they hatch.

Queen snake

Queen snakes have armor-like scales on the top of their head

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Red Spitting Cobra

Scientists believe that the red spitting cobra evolved from injecting venom to spitting it in response to the constant threat of early humans

Rhino Viper

The river jack snake has a gigantic horn-like scale on the tip of its nose.

Ribbon Snake

Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too.

Rinkhals Snake

This snake is known for playing dead as a defense against predators.

Rosy Boa

One of the few snakes that naturally comes in a rainbow of colors.

Russel’s Viper

A Russel’s viper strike is so forceful it can lift its entire body off the ground.

Savu Python

Before ball pythons’ morphs became popular, Savu pythons were everywhere in the pet trade.

Smooth Earthsnake

Valeria Biddle Blaney (1828-1900) collected the first specimen in Maryland.

Southern Black Racer

These snakes live underground, beneath piles of leaf litter or in thickets, and they are expert swimmers.

Spotted python

Their favorite food is bats and they hang from cave entrances to snatch them out of midair!

Sunbeam Snake

Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of just a single lung like most snake species.

Sunset Ball Python

Sunset ball pythons are bred with several other morphs to get designer colors.

Tentacled Snake

Their tentacles have nerves that attach directly into the area of the brain that processes visual information.

Texas Garter Snake

If you handle one of the snakes, it will defensively emit a foul-smelling musk that can get on your hands and other surfaces and permeate your home.

Texas Indigo Snake

Texas Indigo Snakes are known for chasing down, overpowering, and eating rattlesnakes.

Tiger snake

Tiger Snakes can spend nine minutes underwater without returning to the surface to breathe

Timor python

Ironically, Timor pythons have never been found on the island of Timor.

Tree Snake

Though this snake’s venomous bite isn’t harmful to adults, it can be dangerous to children

Tree Viper (Bamboo Viper)

Pit vipers can strike accurately at moving objects less than .5 degrees Farenheit warmer than the background.

Urutu Snake

The female Urutu snake grows longer and heavier than males of the same species

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Viper Boa

These boas aren’t really vipers, they’re nonvenomous constrictors that look like vipers.

Western Rat Snake

Western rat snakes have special scales on their belly that help them climb up trees.

Woma python

Woma pythons often prey on venomous snakes and are immune to some venoms.

Worm Snake

They emit a bad-smelling liquid if they are picked up!

Yarara

Females are much larger than males

Zebra Snake

The zebra snake is a black-hooded species of spitting cobra native to several of the southern countries of Africa.

List of Snakes

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