There are thousands of snake species in the world and due to the perfect combination of humidity, shelter and abundance of food many of them are found in the rain forests of various continents. Of these thousands of snakes, there are four general categories; the flying snakes, constrictor snakes, venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Some of the most famous rain forest snakes are the anacondas. The anacondas are mysterious snakes and not much is known about their lifestyle. What we do know is that these snakes can grow to be an amazing 30 feet (9 m) long, making the anaconda one of the largest snakes in the world. Anacondas are great swimmers, spending a lot of time in rivers and swamps and also in trees. Anacondas can survive for up to two years without feeding. When they do eat, their prey can be as large as a human but typically consists of deer, large rodents and birds. These rain forest snakes are not poisonous, however, they are very skilled and efficient hunters. An anaconda bites its prey to weaken it and then constricts its large body around the victim, suffocating and crushing it.

Other popular rain forest snakes are those in the family of pythons which include a number of different species. These snakes range in size from about 3 feet (0.91 m) to 33 feet (10 m)long. The reticulated python is the largest of the pythons and weighs around 300 pounds (136 kg). Like the anacondas, these rain forest snakes are non-venomous and kill their prey by constriction.

Other fascinating types of rain forest snakes include those that are seemingly able to fly through the forest canopy. Flying or gliding rain forest snakes include the paradise tree snake and golden tree snake. Although they do not have wings, flying snakes are able to flatten their body and propel themselves from tree to tree.

Venomous rain forest snakes are so numerous it is impossible to list them all. However, these snakes are classified into three categories; front fanged, rear fanged and folding fanged snakes. Most venomous snakes use their poison to kill and feed on their prey but they will use it as a defense when they are threatened.

Front-fanged rain forest snakes can possess some of the most deadly venom in the world. These snakes include African mambas, coral snakes and cobras.

It is extremely difficult to be bitten by the rear fanged rain forest snakes because of the placement of the fangs. You would have to basically put your finger far into its mouth in order to be injected with its venom. Some of these rain forest snakes include the mangrove catsnake and a variety of water snakes.

Folding fang snakes include the bush master, pit vipers and vipers. These snakes are able to fold their fangs located on their upper jaw so that they lie flush with the jaws inside the mouth. Then when they are about to strike their prey or defend themselves the fangs are released to inject their venom.

Although there are many docile and harmless snakes there is no difference in danger between venomous and constrictor snakes. Each have the potential to be dangerous when threatened and that danger level depends on the species. Some non venomous snakes can be far more dangerous than a poisonous one. Therefore all snakes should be respected whether they are venomous or constrictors. Unless you are a species expert, it is probably best to admire them from a distance.