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Snakes
Part of the reptile family there are about 2,400 species of snakes in the world. Snakes live almost everywhere, in deserts, forests, oceans, streams, and lakes. Some species are ground dwellers, others live in trees, and other snakes spend most of their lives in water. This is the place to ask your questions about these cold blooded reptiles.
9,216 Questions
What are pythons behavioral adaptations?
Pythons have a variety of interesting behavioral adaptations. They hiss, to discourage predators, spread their heads to make them look larger than they are, and many species also play dead by flipping over on their backs.
What kind of snakes live in Michigan?
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Michigan's only venomous snake is a rare sight for most state residents. Historically, they could be found in a variety of wetlands and nearby upland woods throughout the lower peninsula. During the late spring, these snakes move from their winter hibernation sites, such as crayfish chimneys and other small mammal burrows in swamps and marshlands, to hunt on the drier upland sites - likely in search of mice and voles, their favorite food.
Females give birth to 8 to 20 young in late summer. The young snakes have a single "button" on their tails; a new rattle segment is added at each shedding of the skin, which occurs several times per year.
The massasauga can be characterized as a shy, sluggish snake. Its thick body is colored with a pattern of dark brown slightly rectangular patches set against a light gray-to-brown background. Occasionally, this coloration can be so dark as to appear almost black. The belly is mostly black. It is the only Michigan snake with segmented rattles on the end of its tail and elliptical, ("cat like") vertical pupils in the eyes. The neck is narrow, contrasting with the wide head and body and the head appears triangular in shape. Adult length is 2 to 3 feet.
These rattlesnakes avoid confrontation with humans; they are not prone to strike - preferring to leave the area when they are threatened. Like any animal though, these snakes will protect themselves from anything they see as a potential predator. Their short fangs can easily puncture skin and they do possess a potent venom. It is best to treat them with respect and leave them alone. The few bites that occur to humans often result from attempts to handle or kill the snakes. Any bite from a massasauga should receive prompt professional medical attention. When compared to other rattlesnakes found in the United States, the massasauga is the smallest and has the least toxic venom.
Massasaugas are found throughout the Lower Peninsula, but not in the Upper Peninsula (thus there are no poisonous snakes on the Upper Peninsula mainland.) They are becoming rare in many parts of their former range, throughout the Great Lakes area, due to wetland habitat loss and persecution by humans. They are listed as a "species of special concern" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and are protected by state law.
Like many snakes, the first human reaction may be to kill the snake. But it is important to remember that all snakes play an important role in the ecosystem. Some may eat insects, others like the massasauga consider rodents a delicacy and help control their population. Snakes are also a part of a larger food web and can provide food to eagles, herons, and several mammals.
We can easily learn to live with these creatures. When you encounter a snake, leave it alone. In most cases, the snake will move to different areas. If pets are in the area, it is important to confine them until the snake moves on. Most often snakes do not wander into areas with little vegetation. The most likely period to encounter snakes in the open is early spring or mornings when they can be found sunning themselves.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently evaluating the Great Lakes population to determine whether it should be listed as a threatened species. In Michigan, it remains an important part of our natural history.
Why is the rattlesnake camouflaged?
The rattle snake has evolved to use camouflage to avoid danger. For example, if a passing hawk were to see the snake, it would most likely eat it. But due to the snake's camouflage, the hawk would pass right by without the snake being seen.
Why have the gaboon viper adapted to the rainforest?
King Cobras have adapted to have bodies that camouflage into their surroundings. They also have highly poisonous venom to protect themselves.
Do cobras constrict their prey?
General information!
The question what is the biggest snake can be confusing, the biggest as far as girth (largest being measured at 44 inches or 1,1176 m) is the Green Anaconda, on average anacondas are more then 20 ft long many reaching lengths of 29ft or more, with a weight of over 550 lbs, in terms of length then and only then will the Reticulated Python exceed the anaconda, the longest python was measured at 33ft but even this python can't match the total mass of the anaconda.
Anacondas are members of the Boidae family of reptiles and spend most of their time in rivers and swamps of the Amazon in South America which makes them excellent swimmers, female anacondas are generally larger then the males and bear their young live and are called "Neonates", the number of young varies, some have produced 100 babies, but the average is between 20 to 40 babies. Diet consist of (depending on the size of the anaconda, the larger the snake the larger the prey) large/small rodents like capybaras, also pigs, caiman, jaguars, deer, dogs, birds even fish and is acquired by ambushing and constricting it's prey (the anaconda is so powerful it generally crushes it's prey) then swallowing it whole, the digestion of the anaconda is very slow thereby allowing it to survive without food for well over a year.
Anacondas have around a 30 year life span and the biggest threat to it is man and loss of their habitat.
They don't always hey do hunt in the day but if they do hunt at night it is either because they have been following prey and need to kill it or so they can sneak up on sleeping animals they can also see in the dark.
What should you do about a snake in your yard?
See the Related Links for "Snake Types" to the bottom for the answer. First things first: Do NOT get too close to the snake unless you are sure it is dead or somewhere (glass jar or something) where it can not get out. Your snake might be poisonous. Flora and fauna vary a lot from one country to another, may not even be the same in different areas of the same country so your best bet might be to ask a local vet or at your local library. Of course, local farmers are always a great help with that and many other issues. Hope this helps!
Is Northern Ringneck Snake deadly?
The Northern Ringneck snake is only deadly, normally, to the small animals that it eats. There are four US snakes that can be deadly: Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Water Moccasin, and the Coral Snake.
If the Northern Ringneck is disturbed, it may coil up its tail and show the red underbelly. If that does not work, it will emit a very bad smell. If that does not work, either, it will bite savagely but with no poison.
As with any animal bites, the Northern Ringneck bites can become infected, and if not treated, cause death in a very FEW cases.
Is a eastern ribbon snake a producer or a consumer?
Snakes are secondary consumers, also called predators.
What is the smallest snake egg?
The egg of the fairyfly wasp.
A hummingbird's egg is the smallest bird egg.
Snakes' eyes are covered by their clear scales (the brille) rather than movable eyelids. Their eyes are always open, and for sleeping, the retina can be closed or the face buried among the folds of the body.
What is stronger than a king cobra snake?
King cobras are stronger that the tarantula by far. The cobra is a reptile that can get upwards in length of 18'. The Tarantula, and there are different species, is an arachnid that can get very large. The largest if the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider can reach a leg span of up to 12". So my most educated guess would have the king cobra winning.
What are alligators and snakes scared of?
Rattlesnakes are near the bottom of the food chain and fear most animals that might pose a threat.
What does an African snake eat?
it can eat from a rat to an antelope.
It can also be seen eating alligators.
Is a worm part of the snake family?
No, but that is a common misconception. They are actually a species of fish believe it or not.
Can a cobra snake kill a king snake?
YES!!!!! There are several variations of this question on wikianswers, so it isn't necessary to ask the same question over again! King cobras are one of the most venomous snakes in the world and are several feet longer than a king snake. King snakes are not poisonous in the least, so there is no chance whatsoever that a king snake could kill a king cobra. King snakes are generally very docile and are very common as pets. Cobras on the other hand are very aggressive and should only be handled by an expert handler. I'm almost positive they r illegal to own in America as a civilian.
What is the snake's life cycle?
The life cycle of a snake is pretty much the same as any advanced life-form. All snakes start as eggs (as do we), the embryo develops until it is ready to hatch which depends solely on the species. After it is born or hatches it lives out it's life, shedding it's skin as it grows and then it dies either by predator or by old age.
How do you get snakes out your house?
Out of its cage? Try baiting it out with some sort of treat it enjoys.
Where can you find pictures of the King Cobra's life cycle?
There might be a possible link to such a picture on the site listed below. == ==
they are born in eggs then when they come out there mother leaves them and they are by them sefs they end up having to find shelter
Do garden snakes live in groups?
Snakes are usually solitary reptiles. However - they have been known to 'hibernate' in groups during the cold months in caves. Also they will seek each other out during the matins season - often resulting in many serpents 'chasing' one female.
How do king snakes adapt to their environment?
by staying in dead cactuses shady places holes and somtimes thy go into thier preys hole eat them and stay there
Well, one is having the ability to bury itself under the sand. Another could maybe be being able to move across the sand.
Some snakes move in away where on two parts of it's body come in contact with the ground at all times. For example the side winder
Do snakes stop growing if the cage is to small?
No - they will continue to grow. They would just end up in a very cramped space !
