What is a Shnake? An Introduction to Snakes

Snakes are a group of limbless, carnivorous reptiles belonging to the suborder Serpentes. With thousands of documented species, they have populated a range of environments across the globe, absent only from polar regions. Their diversity in size, color, and behavior reflects their adaptation to numerous ecological niches.

Defining Characteristics of Snakes

All snakes are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their external environment. They are often observed basking in the sun to absorb heat or seeking shade to cool down. Their bodies are covered in scales, which provide protection and reduce friction as they move. A specialized row of thicker scales on their underside, called scutes, aids in locomotion. As snakes grow, they periodically shed their layer of skin in a process known as ecdysis.

To move without limbs, snakes rely on their flexible spine, which can have between 200 and 400 vertebrae, and powerful muscles to slither, climb, and swim. Though they lack external ears, snakes are adept at sensing vibrations through the ground, which are transmitted to an inner ear bone. Their primary sense for exploring the world is their sense of smell, which is enhanced by their forked tongue.

The constant flicking of a snake’s tongue is not a sign of aggression but a method of gathering information. The tongue collects scent particles from the air and transfers them to a sensory structure on the roof of the mouth called the Jacobson’s organ. This organ processes the chemical cues, allowing the snake to track prey, find mates, and detect predators. This sense of smell compensates for what is often poor eyesight in many species.

Another adaptation is the structure of their jaws. Unlike mammals, the two halves of a snake’s lower jaw are not fused together but are connected by an elastic ligament. This, combined with a highly mobile skull, allows their jaws to open wide, enabling them to swallow prey much larger than their own heads. Backward-curving teeth help to grip struggling prey and prevent it from escaping as powerful muscles work to move the meal down the digestive tract.

Common Snake Families

The family Boidae, which includes boas, are primarily found in the Americas. These snakes are non-venomous constrictors that give birth to live young. They vary in size, from the small rosy boa to the massive green anaconda.

Closely related are the pythons, belonging to the family Pythonidae. Found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, pythons are also non-venomous constrictors. Unlike boas, pythons lay eggs, and this family includes some of the world’s longest snakes, such as the reticulated python.

The family Colubridae is the largest snake family, encompassing nearly two-thirds of all snake species. Colubrids are found worldwide and include many common and harmless species like garter snakes and corn snakes. While most are non-venomous, some possess rear fangs and a mild venom that is not dangerous to humans.

The family Elapidae consists of venomous snakes with fixed, hollow fangs at the front of their mouths. This family includes cobras, mambas, coral snakes, and sea snakes, which are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Elapids deliver a potent neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system of their prey.

The family Viperidae includes vipers and pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. These snakes are characterized by long, hinged fangs that fold back against the roof of the mouth when not in use. Vipers are found in most parts of the world and inject a hemotoxic venom that destroys tissues and affects blood circulation. Many members of this family have heat-sensing pits on their faces to detect warm-blooded prey.

Venomous vs Non-Venomous Snakes

The primary difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes is their method of subduing prey. Venom is a specialized saliva containing toxins, injected through fangs for hunting or defense. Non-venomous snakes lack this system and instead rely on other methods, most notably constriction, where they use their muscular bodies to cut off blood flow to their prey.

It is important to understand the distinction between “venomous” and “poisonous.” A creature is venomous if it injects toxins, whereas a creature is poisonous if it is toxic to eat or touch. Therefore, snakes are correctly referred to as venomous.

In some regions, there are general visual cues that can sometimes help distinguish venomous snakes, but these are not universally reliable. For example, many venomous pit vipers in North America have a triangular-shaped head to accommodate venom glands, vertical slit-like pupils, and a single row of scales on the underside of their tail tip. Non-venomous snakes in the same areas often have a more rounded head, round pupils, and a double row of scales after the vent.

These identifiers are not foolproof. The venomous coral snake, for instance, has a rounded head and round pupils, defying the common rules. Many non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic the triangular shape of a viper when threatened. The only certain way to identify a snake is through expert knowledge, and it is never safe to approach or handle an unknown snake.

Global Habitats and Diets

Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting environments from rainforests and deserts to rivers and the open ocean. As carnivores, their specialized diets are closely linked to their specific habitats. What they eat varies greatly from one species to another.

In forest and grassland environments, many snakes prey on rodents, birds, and their eggs. Aquatic snakes have diets consisting mainly of fish, frogs, and other amphibians. Some species have become highly specialized; for example, egg-eating snakes have unique adaptations in their spine to crack open eggs they swallow whole.

Desert-dwelling snakes hunt lizards and small mammals and have developed efficient methods of water conservation. Burrowing snakes, which live underground, feed on insects, worms, and larvae. The size of the snake also dictates its prey.

The smallest species, like the threadsnake, eat ants and their larvae. In contrast, the largest pythons and anacondas can consume prey as large as deer or caimans. By controlling populations of various animals, they help maintain a natural balance in their ecosystems.

Snakes and Humans

Snakes as Pets

The practice of keeping snakes as pets has grown in popularity, with many species being well-suited to life in captivity when provided with proper care. Several species are recommended for beginners due to their manageable size and docile temperament. Popular choices include:

• Corn Snakes: Hardy, calm, and available in a wide variety of colors.
• Ball Pythons: Known for a docile nature and tendency to curl into a ball when threatened.
• Kingsnakes: Recognized for their striking patterns and hardy nature.
• Milk Snakes: Similar to Kingsnakes, but must be housed alone as they are known to eat other snakes.

Owning a snake is a long-term commitment, as many species can live for 20 years or more. Prospective owners must be prepared to provide a suitable enclosure with a secure lid, proper heating, and appropriate substrate. It is also important to source snakes from reputable breeders to ensure the animal is healthy and ethically obtained.

Encountering Snakes in the Wild

Most snakes are shy and will try to avoid confrontation with humans. The most important rule when you see a snake is to leave it alone. Do not attempt to approach, touch, or kill it, as this is when most bites occur.

If you encounter a snake on a trail, stop, remain still for a moment, and then slowly back away to give it plenty of space. Make noise while you walk, as the vibrations can alert snakes to your presence, giving them time to move away. Wear sturdy, enclosed footwear and long pants when hiking in areas known to have snakes, and be cautious where you place your hands and feet.

If a snake is found in a yard or home, keep people and pets away from the area. If possible, isolate the snake in a single room and call a professional animal control service or snake catcher for removal. Attempting to remove the snake yourself without experience can be dangerous for both you and the animal.

Encountering Snakes in the Wild

In the event of a snakebite, treat it as a medical emergency. Always assume the snake was venomous and call for immediate medical help. Keep the victim calm and still, as movement can speed the spread of venom.

Remove any tight clothing or jewelry from the bitten limb and keep it positioned at or below the level of the heart. It is critical to know what not to do:

• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not cut the wound.
• Do not apply ice.
• Do not attempt to suck the venom out.