Where do Snakes Live?
There are over 2,500 species of snakes in the world, and snakes live in nearly every country and type of habitat. The only areas of the world where there are no snakes are Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, Ireland and New Zealand. All other areas of the world contain at least a few varieties of snakes.
The majority of snakes live in tropical climates. Unlike mammals, snakes must regulate their own body temperature. When they get too hot they move into the shade, and when they are too cool, they move into a sunny area. They are much more efficient in warm weather, which explains why they prefer to live in tropical areas. Snakes that live in temperate climates hibernate in the winter.
Snakes are highly adaptable. At first glance it would seem that all snakes are built the same way, just in different sizes and colors. On closer examination, however, you will see that snakes have differences in the way that they are built. These differences are due to the environment in which the snakes live.
Snakes that spend much of their time in trees are longer with slender bodies. Snakes that spend most of their time on the ground are more compact, with their bodies made for burrowing. Snakes that swim and live near water often have a flattened shape that helps them swim efficiently.
The habitat where snakes live is just as varied as the areas of the world where they are located. Snakes can live in bodies of water, in forests or deserts and in prairies. They typically live where there is an amble amount of food, such as rodents, small reptiles, birds and frogs.
Snakes eat their food whole and often while it is still alive. While boa constrictors will squeeze their prey to death before eating it, most snakes unhinge their jaw and swallow their prey while it is still alive. A snake’s teeth are pointed backward, which prevents the still alive prey from darting out of the snake’s mouth before he swallows.
Some species of snakes give birth to live young and others lay eggs, but few species of snakes care for their young. The snakes are smaller versions of their adult self, and must immediately begin to hunt for themselves.
The United States is home to ten species of threatened snakes and seven species of snakes that are listed on the Endangered Species list. Many people are frightened by snakes, but the majority are harmless. Even most snakes that are poisonous would prefer to stay away from humans. It is only when we wander into areas where snakes live that we risk an accidental bite.
Written by Amy Hunter
