With the exception of Antarctica, snakes are everywhere on the globe in warm and temperate geographical areas. The diversity of the 2,700 snakes species is relevant in the size differences too: there are some only a few centimeters long while others reach the impressive length of nine meters like the anacondas or the pythons. Venomous snakes are a minority in this incredibly large reptile family, but their toxic poison is so powerful that it could cause the death of a human being within a few minutes. Chronological research indicates that, the history and origins of snakes go back to the Cretaceous period, some 150 million years ago, when snakes are assumed to have evolved from a lizard and changed their living environment.
Some modern species still carry primitive distinctive marks, this is the case with pythons and boas that still have hind limbs remains, which only point to a past when snakes were more lizard-like than they are today. Snakes or serpents making the subject of symbolic creations and being widely represented in the arts. Mankind hunted down or worshiped snakes throughout its history; yet, modern attitudes have changed towards snakes under the pressure of ecologist organization that insist on the importance of these creatures for the environment of the planet. And many factors confirm such opinions.
Fascinating details in the lives of snakes indicate that not everything has been discovered about the many existing species. Thus, it is interesting to study how the patterns on the body of snakes differentiate between individuals even within the same species. Then, snakes’ response to vibrations, the incredible sense of smell and even the reception of low frequency sounds indicate the fact that snakes are fascinating. Infrared sensitivity and the ability to detect body warmth from the distance, causes further awe among snakes researchers.
Common habitats for humans and snakes are a reality, and people from areas with a higher variety of snake species and sub-species should learn to distinguish between the hazardous or harmless varieties, and thus avoid them accordingly. Non-venomous snakes are not that friendly when sensing danger, therefore, a healthy attitude towards such animals will save you a lot of trouble. Do not try to catch, hunt or kill snakes: they only feed and defend themselves as they cannot hold grudge and follow you just for the sake of biting. Be extremely cautious when keeping snakes as pets.
Tags: pet, pet supplies, pets, Reptile, Reptiles, Snake, Snakes
