July 16 is World Snake Day, so let’s take a moment to raise awareness of these slithery creatures!
Are you fascinated by these beautiful creatures or repulsed by their presence? Here are some cool facts about our snake friends to help bring you around to the snake lovers club.
- Snakes don’t have eyelids.
- There are around 3000 different species of snake.
- Some sea snakes can breathe partially through their skin, allowing for longer dives underwater.
- The paradise tree snake is one of the smaller flying snakes and the best glider. It’s been known to travel up to 330 ft (100 m) in the air.
- When snakes strike they have a near 100% success rate.
- Snakes can expand the capacity of their jaws due to an elastic jaw ligament.
- Snakes have poor eyesight, and so have heat sensors that can pick up vibrations.
- Once the skin is shed the snakes’ skin doesn’t actually have a color.
- 70% of all snakes hatch from eggs.
- Snakes live in oceans, trees and on the land.
- Snakes are both predators and prey.
- One quarter of all snakes have venomous fang.
And this last little tidbit, which you may have heard before:
- If red touches yellow, it will kill a fellow.
- If red touches black, it’s a friend of Jack.
H/T to National Geographic for all the snake tips.