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.

What's the Difference Between Venom and Poison?

It’s all about how it enters the body.

Revisiting the Mystery of the Great New England Sea Serpent of 1817

The fishermen of Gloucester, Massachusetts thought they had seen everything. Then they were proved wrong.

Decapitated Rattlesnake Still Manages to Bite and Nearly Kill Victim

In some cases, beheading a snake is just going to upset it more.

Can You Find the Snake In This Photo?

The only thing worse than having a snake in your yard is not being able to see it.

himmelskratzer, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Boa Constrictors Form Hunting Parties and We’re Totally Fine with That

Just before sunset, Cuban boas line up and dangle from the ceiling of a cave like a curtain, waiting for bats to pass through.

Sea Snakes May Surf Thousands of Miles on Ocean Waves

The yellow-bellied sea snake may be capable of traveling great distances by drifting along ocean currents.

8 Inanimate Objects That Have Been Swallowed By Snakes

Most serpents are not what you’d call discerning diners.

See the World's Largest Congregation of Snakes at This Spot in Manitoba

Every spring and autumn, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes gather at the Narcisse snake dens.

Puff Adders Can Hide Their Smell From Predators

It's chemical camouflage.

Are Snakes Immune to Their Own Venom?

Venomous bites can paralyze and kill prey. But what happens when a snake is exposed to its own toxins?