Snakes make excellent pets! If you’re thinking about getting one as a pet, you should learn a little bit about this frequently misunderstood reptile. Here are some fascinating facts about snakes you probably didn’t know.
- More than 3,000 different species of snakes
Snakes can be found practically everywhere in the world, even in some places that we might normally consider uninhabitable, and they have evolved to survive there. Some snakes live in unexpectedly frigid climates, despite the fact that most rely on the sun for heat because they cannot make it themselves. There are believed to be 3,700 different species around the globe, along with several variations of some of these species, spanning every hue and the majority of physical characteristics.
- They require heat to survive
Snakes, which are cold-blooded animals, are actually ectothermic. This means they are not able to generate heat on their own and must rely on their surroundings and the environment to stay warm. They can be found in sunny areas and on hot rocks in the wild, where they harness the heat from the sun to warm up. To consistently thermoregulate and reach their preferred temperature in captivity, they require heat maps, heat lamps, and basking areas.
- Snakes can grow to an average of 6 meters long
The reticulated python is the longest species of snake in the world and is native to some parts of Asia. It can attain total lengths of over 7 meters in exceptional cases, with an average a total length of over 6 meters. Being a constrictor, it kills its prey by crushing it. The reticulated python is one of the three biggest species in the world and the longest species, making it a fearsome animal. However, it isn’t venomous.
They don’t have eyelids
Instead of eyelids, snakes have incredibly thin films known as brille, which cover their eyeballs to protect them from damage and ensure they can see. This scale is what gives the glassy-eyed look.
- Some snakes don’t lay eggs
Snakes are well-known for depositing eggs; however, not all species do so. Some snake species are ovoviviparous, which means they lay and hatch their eggs internally. Only when the eggs hatch inside the mother do the young ones emerge. There is no placenta or umbilical cord, so when the offspring emerge, they devour the egg sac to receive the nutrients they require.
- Lifelong growing
A snake will never stop growing. It will continue to grow, albeit slowly for most species, until it dies. This is the reason even extremely ancient snakes must shed skin.
- Not all snakes are poisonous.
Snakes are commonly feared for their venom, but only a small proportion of these animals are venomous. The vast majority of snakes are not.
That’s all there is to it, fellas! That brings us to the end of the fascinating facts about snakes. However, these aren’t the only facts concerning them.
Allan’s Pet Center would be glad to discuss snake facts and ownership with you. If you need help getting started, please contact us here.
