Snakes are reptiles characterized by elongated bodies and a lack of limbs. Distributed through most parts of the world, they range in length from 5 inches to more than 30 feet. They are closely related to lizards, but do not have external ears or eyelids.
The skin of a snake is dry and scaly, not slimy like some people believe. Snake scales are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up your fingernails.
A snake has a forked tongue that is used to “sample” microscopic particles from the air that are then put into a special organ in the roof of the mouth. This structure, called the Jacobson’s organ, is highly sensitive to chemicals, like the nose of a bloodhound. But rather than smelling, as we do, snakes “taste” the air. A snake flicking its tongue at you is merely trying to figure out what you are.
Outside temperatures affect the activity of snakes. Because they cannot generate their own body heat like mammals and birds can, snakes remain relatively inactive when it is too cold. They also cannot tolerate extremely high temperatures; therefore, most snakes are active during mild temperatures. During the spring and fall, most snakes tend to be active in the daytime; during the summer, activity may be restricted to warm nights, especially after a rain.
All snakes eat animals, not plants. The primary food items of most snakes are insects, fish, amphibians, birds, rodents, eggs, and other reptiles. Some species are selective feeders, whereas others eat a broad range of food items.
The most common form of defense by snakes, like other reptiles, is avoidance. At the first sign of danger, they usually flee. Any other defensive behavior by a snake, such as biting, striking, and so on, is usually a last resort.
Snakes are a natural and exciting component of the environment, as they have been for the past 160 million years. Their many unusual characteristics have long fascinated humans.
