Do Two-Headed Snakes Exist?

Two-headed snakes do exist, but they are rare and do not tend to survive in the wild. These snakes are born as a result of an embryo that had split into two to form twins but stopped midway through the process. Such creatures generally do not survive because the two heads are each in competition with one another for prey and will even try to kill each other. In captivity, two-headed snakes have a much better chance of survival. For example, a two-headed snake named Thelma and Louise at the San Diego Zoo survived for 16 years. The occurrence of two-headed snakes is rare, with about 1,000 documented cases in history.

More about two-headed snakes:

• Historical figures who are thought to have owned two-headed snakes include King Louis XVI of France, Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin.
• In Incan mythology, a rainbow-colored, two-headed serpent named Amaru Tupa was worshiped as a god.
• Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is thought to have recorded the first reliable written instance of a two-headed snake, in 350 BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do two-headed snakes really exist?

Yes, two-headed snakes do exist and are a result of a phenomenon known as bicephaly, which is a type of conjoined twinning that occurs when an embryo begins to split into identical twins but stops partway, leaving the developing snake with two heads. This condition is rare but has been documented in various snake species.

How common are two-headed snakes?

Two-headed snakes are quite rare, with the odds of a snake being born with two heads estimated to be one in 10,000 to one in 100,000, according to herpetologists. However, because two-headed snakes often have difficulty surviving in the wild, they are more commonly seen in captivity where they can receive special care.

Can two-headed snakes survive in the wild?

Survival of two-headed snakes in the wild is challenging. Their condition can lead to difficulties in coordinating movement, making hunting and escaping predators problematic. Additionally, the two heads may have conflicting instincts or compete for food, further reducing their chances of survival without human intervention.

Are two-headed snakes a result of genetic mutation?

Two-headed snakes are typically the result of a developmental anomaly rather than a genetic mutation. The condition arises during the embryonic stage of development when the embryo does not fully split into twins. It's not usually passed down genetically, so it's not considered a heritable trait.

Do both heads of a two-headed snake eat?

Both heads of a two-headed snake are capable of eating, but they often struggle with coordination. In captivity, caretakers may feed both heads to ensure each one receives nutrition. However, the shared digestive system means that overfeeding can be a concern, so careful monitoring of their diet is essential.

Is it possible to separate the heads of a two-headed snake?

Surgical separation of a two-headed snake is generally not feasible due to the shared organs and complex physiology. Each head is typically connected to a single body with a shared set of vital organs, making separation life-threatening and ethically questionable. Therefore, two-headed snakes are usually left intact and cared for as they are.