SNAKES

A semi-accurate rendering of a crocodile.

10 Historical First Impressions of Animals and Plants

From the “dark politicks” of cuttlefish to the “prodigious bigness” of snakes, here are 10 accounts of the first times explorers encountered new animals, foods, and more.

The 15 Most Bizarre Items Found in Lost Luggage in 2023

Opening a piece of unclaimed baggage could mean finding some shoes, or it could mean finding live snakes.

Can You Actually Suck the Poison Out of a Snakebite?

You may have been taught the old cowboy trick of applying a tourniquet and using a blade to cut the bite wound to suck out the poison. It looks dramatic, but does it really work?

Ireland: Come for the Guinness, stay for the lack of snakes.

Why Are There No Snakes in Ireland?

Legend tells of St. Patrick using the power of his faith to drive all of Ireland’s snakes into the sea. It’s an impressive image, but there’s no way it could have happened.

Why the World's Most Venomous Snake Isn't the Deadliest

Despite being the most venomous snake in the world, the inland taipan isn't necessarily the deadliest.

Study Finds Spiders Are Victorious in Battles Against Snakes

A recent study looked at hundreds of records of spiders killing and eating snakes—even snakes many times their size.

62-Year-Old Ball Python at St. Louis Zoo Lays Eggs After Decades of Isolation

A 62-year-old female python at the St. Louis Zoo hasn't been in contact with a male in decades, but she was somehow able to reproduce this summer.

Kansas Man Digs Into Couch Cushions Looking for His Keys, Finds 6-Foot Boa Constrictor Instead

It’s unclear whether or not the man ever found his lost keys, or if perhaps the boa constrictor found them first.

Sssspectacular: Tree Snakes in Australia Can Actually Jump

The 'Dendrelaphis' genus of snakes in Australia can propel themselves through the air, bridging the gap between trees.

Seven Snorkeling Grandmas Discovered a Deadly Sea Snake Population

The “Fantastic Grandmothers” volunteered to use their New Caledonia snorkeling trips to photograph the venomous reptiles.

Watch a 70-Pound Python Queen Lay an Enormous Clutch of Eggs

You can follow African rock python Squeeze’s journey to motherhood on Smithsonian Channel's new special ‘Queen of the Pythons.’

A Python Swallowed a Crocodile Whole—and a Photographer Was There to Capture It All

Photographs show the struggle between the olive python and the freshwater crocodile—two of Australia's most impressive reptilian predators.

12 Things You Should Know About Rattlesnakes

It's a myth that these venomous vipers will always shake its rattle before attacking, but a rattlesnake bite still packs a punch.

The Charmed Life and Tragic Death of Snake Handler Grace Olive Wiley

Grace Olive Wiley was an unconventional herpetologist whose love affair with snakes—and resistance to safety standards—would end up costing her her life.