0

10 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Snakes That Nature Lovers Will Enjoy

Kazi Nasir | Dec 19, 2025, 18:44 IST
Mysteries of Snake
Mysteries of Snake
Image credit : Freepik
Snakes are among the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom, often feared more than they are understood. With over 3,000 species found worldwide, snakes display remarkable abilities from swallowing prey larger than their heads and sensing heat in total darkness to shedding their skin and playing a vital role in controlling pests.
Walking obliviously through a lane, a flash of patterned came across your leg, jaw dropped, stuck thinking what to do next. There are over 3000 snake species discovered worldwide, from tiny threadsnakes to the longest pythons of amazon. The stories of snakes are celebrated through the fables of ancient times to today's modern cinema screen. One of the mysterious creatures of history. Here are 10 fascinating facts about snakes that show this animal is also important useful animal than most people realise.

1. They can swallow prey much larger than their heads


Snake's Jaw
Snake's Jaw
Image credit : Freepik

Unlike other animals, snakes don't dislocate their jaws; the lower jaw bones are loosely connected and stretchable. They have strong backwards-facing teeth. A python can eat a whole deer or a large pig.

2. Many snakes "Smell" with their tongues

They have a chemical-sensing organ in the roof of the mouth. When their forked tongue samples air molecules, they receive an extraordinary directional scent sense.

3. Some snakes “see” heat


Why Snakes are Important
Why Snakes are Important
Image credit : Freepik

Snakes like pit vipers, some pythons and boa species have the super power to sense heat through infrared radiation. Which allow them to target warm-blooded prey in total darkness.

4. They move in several clever ways

They move with a different style to climb and slither through grass.

5. They shed skin

It is a process of full-body renewal. When they periodically moult their full outer skin in one piece. Shedding renews scales which help them to grow and remove parasites from their body. Young snakes shed skin more than adults.

6. Only a minority of snakes are dangerous to humans


Venomous Snake
Venomous Snake
Image credit : Freepik

Over 3000 snake species, 600 are vanomous and in that also, only 200 are seriously harmful.

7. Venom is a complex cocktail

Venoms of snake are a kind of proteins and enzymes that evolved to immobilise and to digest prey.

8. Some species show surprising parental care


Giant Snake
Giant Snake
Image credit : Freepik

Female pythons mostly coil around the eggs to incubate them and even shiver heat them.

9. Snakes play unique ecological roles

They are kind of farmers' friends. They eat rodents and other animals that reduce crop. So, if there's no snake left in the world then the population of rodents will boom distroying the farming sector.

10. Camouflage, mimicry and clever deception

Some snakes are good at mimicking; sometimes they mimic like a venomous snake to bluff predators. Some of them can even change their colours or use cryptic patterns to disappear.

Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!

Follow us
    Contact
    • Noida
    • toi.ace@timesinternet.in

    Copyright © 2025 Times Internet Limited