Snakes don't have eyelids. They have a protective membrane on each eye, called brille, which allows them to sleep with their eyes open. 1)
Genetic studies in recent years have indicated that snakes are not as closely related to monitor lizards and mosasaurs as believed. However, there is more evidence linking mosasaurs to snakes than mosasaurs to varanids. 2)
Living snakes are found on every continent on Earth except for Antarctica. 3)
Australia is home to 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world. Among them are the Desert Taipan, the Australian Taipan, and the Mulga. 4)
The black and white cobra is the most venomous. The maximum dose of its venom could kill 65 humans or 245,000 mice. The least venomous is the Cape cobra. Its maximum dose of venom would kill 9 people or 31,000 mice. The black and white cobra is found from Senegal to Ethiopia and South Africa. Seeing prey, the cobra approaches silently and spits venom from its venom teeth into the distance. These snakes know very well where the most sensitive point of the prey is. 5)
The reticulated python grows up to 32 feet and weighs over 250 pounds. It is the longest of all snake species - although it is second in weight to the anaconda, which can reach up to 550 pounds due to its life in aquatic environments. 6)
Egg-eating snake is found in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Dasypeltis feeds exclusively on the eggs of birds. Eggs - often larger than the head of the snake - are swallowed whole, which is possible thanks to the enormous stretch of the mouth, neck, and esophagus. 7)
Contrary to popular belief, the snake has dry and smooth skin. 8)
Because the snake has a forked tongue, it has a directional, and simultaneous sense of taste and smell. 9)
A bite from a non-venomous snake poses no danger. 10)
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you need to take a serum, made from snake venom, as soon as possible. 11)
Snakes in cold climates do not go into winter sleep. Interestingly, they become motionless in the cold. They are still conscious, but inactive. 12)
While snakes are not fond of long trips, they are good swimmers. 13)
Snakes do not have an eardrum or middle ear. 14)
There are species of snakes that can have even more than four hundred vertebrae. 15)
Venomous snakes have only one lung. It is located on the right side. Strangler snakes, on the other hand, have two lungs. 16)
Cash prizes of up to $2,500 are available in both the professional and novice categories for those who remove the most pythons from Florida Everglades. An hourly rate ($10.00 per hour or $15.00 per hour depending on the area), $50.00 for each python, additional $200.00 for each verified active nest. 17)