mjc1225

NATIONAL SERPENT DAY

On February 1st, National Serpent Day gives snakes and serpents alike their slithering due. Across religions and cultures, the serpent has been used as a symbol of evil, medicine, fertility, and much more.

Over 3,000 species of snakes populate the Earth. The world's smallest snake is the Barbados thread snake. This serpent is smaller than a nightcrawler at about 4 inches. In comparison, the longest snake is the reticulated python and the heaviest is the green anaconda.

SNAKE FACTS

• Only 1/8 of the known species are venomous.
• While many snakes may be small, their upper and lower jaws separate. This ability allows snakes to consume prey up to three times larger than the diameter of their head.
• Snakes eat their prey whole.
• Most snakes are nocturnal.
• As creepy as their flicking tongue seems, they use it to smell the air.
• Snakes are cold-blooded, or ectotherms, and must sun themselves to regulate their body temperatures.
• While most snakes lay eggs, some give live birth.
• From anti-tumor treatments to antibacterial properties, snake venom has been studied for medical purposes for many years.