Fun Fact 2: There are approximately 3,100 recognised species of snakes, which are categorized into around 20 family groups
Fun Fact 3: There are two types of snake Venomous and Non-venomous. A venomous snake will use venom (a toxin) to kill and stun prey. Non-venomous snake will either swallow it's prey live or kill it by constriction
Fun Fact 4: Famous species (types) of snake include; Anaconda, Black Mamba, Boa Constrictor, Cobra, Desert, Garter Snake, Python, Rattlesnake, Sea Snake, Viper and Water Snakes*
Fun Fact 5: Snakes species vary in size and average size would measure approximately 3 feet (91cm) in length
Fun Fact 6: The smallest species of snakes are the Barbados thread snake; an adult can measure approximately 10 cm (3.9in) in length
Fun Fact 7: The largest species of snakes are the Reticulated (Asiatic) Python; an adult can measure approximately 9 meters (30 ft) long, although most only grow too approximately 6 meters (19 ft) in length
Fun Fact 8: Snakes live in every continent with the exception of the Antarctica. Many islands do not have snakes inhabiting them these include Iceland, Ireland and New Zealand - although sea snakes can be found in New Zealand
Fun Fact 9: Snakes are carnivorous (meat eating) reptiles. They are different to legless lizards as they have no eyelids, no external ears and have skin that is covered in overlapping scales
Fun Fact 10: Snakes have been found to habitat at high altitudes, species have been found in the Himalayan Mountains of Asia living as high as 16,000 feet (4,900 m)
Fun Fact 11: The majority of snakes are harmless to humans; however some species possess a harmful venom which is potent enough to cause painful injuries and sometimes death!
Fun Fact 12: Many species of snakes are able to swallow prey that is much larger than the size of their head. They are able to do this by dislocating their jaws which by design are highly flexible - can you imagine eating your food this way?
Fun Fact 13: The most dangerous or venomous (poisonous) snakes found in the world include cobras, vipers, mambas, taipans, adders and rattlesnakes. Boas and Pythons are examples of non-venomous (non-poisonous) snakes
Fun Fact 14: The King Cobra is recognised by its ability to expand the skin around the neck which forms a hood when it feels threatened
Fun Fact 15: Many species of snakes are classed as at risk or endangered species. Examples of endangered snake species include; Indian Python, San Francisco Garter snake, Eastern Indigo snake, the King Cobra and Dumeril’s Boa. The loss of natural habitat and exploitation by humans have contributed the decline of some snake species, this includes being killed for the use of snake skin and for food |
