Venomous vs. Non-Venomous: Did you know that not all snakes are venomous? In fact, around 70% of snake species are non-venomous, making them less dangerous than you might think.
Limbs or Lack Thereof: Snakes belong to a group of reptiles called "Squamata," and while most have no legs, some, like the boa constrictor, retain tiny, vestigial hind limbs buried beneath their skin.
Jaw-Dropping Flexibility: Snakes possess unhinged jaws that allow them to swallow prey much larger than their head, making them incredible predators capable of consuming whole animals.
Heat-Seeking Pits: Pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes and pythons, have specialized heat-sensing pits on their faces, helping them detect warm-blooded prey even in the dark.
Unique Eating Habits: Some snakes, like the green anaconda, can go weeks or even months without eating after a large meal, thanks to their slow metabolism.
Infrared Vision: Some snakes can see in infrared, allowing them to perceive temperature differences and locate prey or predators with astonishing precision.
Ancient Creatures: Snakes have been around for a long time; they first appeared in the fossil record over 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.