Snakes

Snakes are reptiles with long, scaly bodies and no legs. There are over 3,000 species of snakes. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Most snakes are not dangerous and they help control rodent populations.

How Snakes Move

Snakes move by using their muscles and scales. They can slither, sidewind, and even climb trees. Some snakes can swim very well. Snakes smell with their tongues by flicking them in and out to pick up scent particles in the air.

Eating and Growing

Snakes swallow their food whole because they cannot chew. Some snakes can eat animals bigger than their own head because their jaws stretch open wide. Snakes shed their skin several times a year as they grow. The old skin peels off in one piece.

Fun Facts

• Some snakes can go months without eating after a big meal.
• The longest snake is the reticulated python at over 20 feet.
• Snakes do not have eyelids, so they sleep with their eyes open.

Did You Know?

The king cobra is the longest venomous snake and can stand up tall enough to look an adult human in the eye!