Top 25 Facts About Snakes

There are many facts about snakes that range from fascinating to terrifying and everything in between. These mysterious creatures are characterized as legless, carnivorous reptiles that are both feared and admired for their intriguing qualities.

Below are the top 25 interesting facts about snakes:

To accommodate the snake's narrow body, organs that are traditionally paired up in other animals such as kidneys, do not appear side by side but rather are staggered in row formation.

Snakes are found virtually everywhere in the world except Antarctica and a few islands.

One of the more frightening facts about snakes is that some poses a potent venom that can kill a human while other non-venomous species can kill either via constriction or swallow their prey alive.

Snakes are believed to be over 150 million years old.

The vertical column of the snake houses between 200 and 400 vertebrae depending on the size of the snake.

In certain snakes such as pythons and boas, they have hind limbs that are actually pelvic spurs.

One of the more interesting facts about snakes is that their hearts are enclosed in a sac and are able to move inside the snake's body to protect it from damage when they ingest large prey.

The average snake length is only three feet long since there are far more small snakes than there are large ones.

Many people associate snakes with being slimy; however, their skin is actually dry and smooth.

The outer layer of a snake is shed in one piece similar to turning a sock inside out.

One of the more useful facts about snakes is that moulting not only renews the skin, but also allows them to shed any parasites such as ticks and snake mites.

Different snakes have varied levels of eyesight from very keen to those that have very weak sight such as the burrowing species.

Snakes track their prey by smell. It uses its long forked tongue and collects particles in the air which then are brought into the mouth to examine.

A snake can sense animals approaching by detecting vibrations on the ground and in the air.

Certain mammals, birds and even other snakes that prey on venomous snakes develop a resistance to them over time and even become immune to the venom.

Venomous snakes have fangs from which their venom is excreted into their victims. However, the Cobra and the Viper can actually spit their venom at their prey.

Snakes are carnivorous and feed on lizards, small mammals, fish, bird eggs, insects and other snakes. In fact, they are the only predator of certain species of hawks.

After a snake eats, it becomes dormant while it is digesting its food.

All snakes employ fertilization internally.

A snake will not usually prey on a human unless it is startled, injured or it feels threatened.

Only 250 types of venomous snakes can kill a human being with only one bite and certain species like the rattlesnake can control how much venom is released with each bite.

Snake charming was once a very famous sport in many countries, especially India, but it has been prohibited since 1972 to reduce animal cruelty.

Snake consumption is considered a delicacy in many cuisines and it is reported to warm the heart and the body. Many cultures documented eating snakes out of hunger but it later became a common food choice.

One of the great facts about snakes for pet owners is that certain species that are raised in captivity can live to be 40 years old or more. You should only purchase a snake that has been bred in captivity and never take an animal from its natural, wild environment to become a pet.

Snakes hold significant symbolism in almost every religion, culture, myth and legend around the world and throughout time representing good, evil, wisdom, power, fertility and healing.