From the ability to clone themselves to replacing parts of their body, snakes are a continued scientific marvel. Here’s what we know about these mysterious creatures. Unsurprisingly there are many interesting facts about snakes.
Snakes Have Personalities
Many snake owners will attest to the fact that some snakes have personalities. Similar to a dog or cat breed, certain species of snakes are well known for certain behaviors and characteristics. While no conclusive studies have been done on snakes, other studies on reptiles suggest that they tend to have a personality in terms of boldness vs shyness.
A Snake Head Can Bite Even After Decapitation
Due to their ectothermic nature, snakes need optimal environmental conditions to thrive, this means the environment can trick a decapitated snakehead into believing it is ‘alive’. Scientists are not sure if the snake understands whether or not it has been decapitated.
The decapitated snakehead is still able to bite and inject venom. Scientists have debated whether or not the head is cognisant of its actions or if the biting is an involuntary action of self-defense.
Snakes Should Not Be a Starter Pet
While some snake breeders advertise Corn snakes to be great starter pets, truthfully, snakes naturally require a lot of space and freedom. Many people have come to care for snakes and hold them captive as pets despite their specific needs. In some parts of the world, snakes are considered illegal and exotic.
Most Snakes Aren’t Venomous
Out of all the snakes known to the world, only about 600 of them are venomous. These varying species of snakes can be found almost all over the world. While some venom is so strong it could melt your flesh (more on flesh melting venom later), other types of venom aren’t actually all that dangerous.
Snakes Should Only Feed on Live Animals
Some snakes are bred in captivity to sell as pets, but it is truly unwise to hinder the natural behavior of such a deadly creature. So, many people suggest feeding your snake live animals like mice, rats, and rabbits. Certain snakes will refuse to eat dead animals as it goes against their instinctual predatory nature.
Snakes Can Be Colorful
Most snakes are brown, woody looking, or camouflaged. This is to ensure that the snakes survive during their lifetime. In some parts of the world, green snakes are generally the order of the day but in other parts like the USA, the California Garter Snake can be unusually multicolored.
Snakes are Strictly Carnivorous
Snakes can only eat and digest meat. They do not have the teeth to break down any green materials and their stomachs aren’t equipped for it. This is why snakes have such wonderful reputations for destruction like twisting, crushing, and biting their prey to death.
