Snakes are a family of legless, elongated, venomous or non-venomous carnivorous reptiles. Covered in scales and equipped with multiple joints in their jaws, most species of snakes live on land with some species are able to swim or fly. Thanks to their flexible jaws, most snakes eat their prey whole after they kill through either constriction, if non-venomous, or through poisoning with their venomous bite. Snakes are found on nearly every continent, except Antarctica, and are not found on many large islands, such as Ireland and Iceland. Only 600 species of snakes are venomous and only 200 of those are venomous enough to seriously harm or kill a human (about 7 percent of all snakes). Snakes shed their skin monthly and have forked tongues that they use to smell in order to hunt their prey and sense their surroundings.
Snakes are remarkable reptiles known for their elongated bodies and absence of limbs. Their flexible spines, made up of numerous vertebrae and ribs, allow them to slither efficiently. Snakes don't have external ears or vocal cords, so they can't hear sounds or produce vocal speech like humans. However, they are highly sensitive to vibrations through the ground. Their tongues are forked and function as sensory organs, picking up chemical signals which, along with their heat-sensitive pits in some species, help them locate prey. Their eyesight varies, with some species having excellent vision, while others rely more on their other senses.
From ancient symbolism to modern-day fear and fascination, snakes have slithered their way through human culture and history. They are revered in some cultures, feared in others, and have a mixed reputation worldwide. Snakes often feature in literature, film, and mythology, from the biblical serpent to the cunning Nagini in "Harry Potter."
Unfortunately, this reputation sometimes leads to their persecution. On the flip side, snake venom has medical uses, and some species are popular pets. Conservation efforts are crucial for many snake species threatened by habitat loss and human conflict, emphasizing the need for coexistence and understanding.
Snakes are carnivores, and their diet varies on their species. Generally, snakes eat fish, worms, termites, birds, bats, and other types of snakes. Smaller snakes eat pupae, eggs, ants, and centipedes, while larger snakes can eat deer and pigs. All snakes swallow their food whole.
Snakes have 4 methods they use to move: the serpentine, concertina, sidewinding, and rectilinear method. In the serpentine method, the most common method, snakes push off bumpy surfaces and move in a wavy motion. The concertina method is effective for tight spaces, the sidewinding method helps them move on loose or slippery surfaces, and the rectilinear method is a straight movement.
Snakes tend to shed their skin 2 to 4 times a year. The amount varies depending on the age and species of the snake. Younger snakes shed their skin every 2 weeks while older snakes shed their skin 2 times a year.
