California King

Range: California, U.S.A

Habitat: Desert as well as lightly forested habitats, can often be encountered near permanent bodies of water.

Natural Diet: Small mammals, Snakes, Lizards and occasionally fish.

Diet at RainForest: Small pre-killed rodents

Size: 48-60" Females tend to be slightly larger than males.

RainForest Facts: The California King snake is a highly variable snake, color patterns include banding, and stripping. Numerous unusual and aberrant color variations have been produced by pet keepers. The female king snake deposits 6-12 leathery eggs in the late spring or early summer. The normal incubation period for California King snake eggs is 60-75 days depending on temperature.

The name "Kingsnake" is derived from the fact that this species will eat other snakes making it the King of snakes. This use of a common name is similar to the King Cobra who derives his name from the same habit of consuming other snakes. The North American King Snakes are immune to the venom of our Rattlesnakes and Copperheads which often wind up on the dinner menu for this species.

Status in Wild: Declining numbers in the wild due to over collection, primarily for the pet trade, as well as habitat destruction. A low reproductive rate contributes to the decline of this and other snake species that are over collected for the pet trade.

Massive numbers of this snake species are kept as pets. It is estimated by some that there are more California King snakes in captivity than in the wild. Captive breeding programs have largely replaced the need for wild caught animals.

Pressure still does exist for the pet trade however as professional breeders wish to secure "new" bloodlines by collecting wild animals. Regulations are helping alleviate the pressure on wild populations.

Corn Snake Home Up Pet Corn Snake

Range: South Eastern United States

Habitat: Highly variable habitat. Prefers living near source of fresh water.

Natural Diet: Small mammals, birds

Diet at RainForest: Small pre-killed rodents

Size: 48-60"

RainForest Facts: A medium sized constrictor, the Red rat or Corn snake belongs to one of the largest snake families on earth, the colubrids. Several rat snake relatives live in the United States.

Their belly has a black and white checkerboard pattern that resembles Indian corn; for this reason, this type of snake is often called a corn snake.

The Red rat, or Corn Snake is a frequently seen visitor to many rural farm settings. This highly adaptable snake is a voracious consumer of rodents often found in the rural farm setting. An adept climber, the Corn snake will climb vertically up tree trunks to gain access to the bird nests found there. The color pattern of corn snakes is highly variable based on geographical location.

Due to their reddish-orange coloration, Corn Snakes are often killed because people mistake them for the copperhead, a venomous species found in much of the Corn Snakes natural range. Corn Snakes, as well as copperheads, are actually beneficial predators of rodents and in turn are important food items for many other animals.

Corn Snake Eggs laid in Moss

The average clutch of Corn Snake eggs numbers 6-12. Incubation period is generally 60-75 days. Baby corn snakes slit their eggs using an "egg tooth" that falls off after 5 or 6 days.

If disturbed in the wild they often strike repeatedly at the intruder while vibrating their tail. In dry leaves, the vibrating of the tail may resemble the buzz of a rattlesnake, fooling some predators in to leaving them alone.

Unfortunately this same buzzing often convinces people they have encountered a Rattlesnake resulting in the unwarranted death of many a Corn Snake. Corn Snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, and abandoned or seldom used buildings where their favorite food of mice and other small rodents is abundant. This species adapts quite well to human farming areas.

Female Corn snakes lay up to 20 eggs per clutch, the average is 12. 60-75 days of incubation produces hatchlings capable of eating new born mice. In captivity this and other species of North American colubrids are allowed to cool down in the winter months, often to temperatures in the 50's. This cooling period actually triggers the breeding response when the animals are warmed back up to 80-85 degrees.

One of the most frequently kept pet snakes the corn snake adapts quite well to life in captivity. Literally tens of thousands are hatched annually in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Status in Wild: Declining numbers due to over collection, primarily for the pet trade, as well as habitat destruction. Automobiles also account for a high rate of mortality as the corn snake crosses roads.

Black Rat Snake

Range: Eastern, U.S.A

Habitat: Forested regions, often found around agricultural areas due to the presence of rodents.

Natural Diet: Small mammals, birds

Diet at RainForest: Small pre-killed rodents

Size: 48-60"

RainForest Facts: The black rat snake is a highly adaptable feeder, rodents comprise the majority of the diet while birds are readily taken when available. A member of the large Rat snake family that includes Corn snakes, yellow rat snakes and grey rat snakes. Females deposit one clutch of eggs per year, generally in late spring to early summer. Each clutch contains an average of 12 elongated eggs. Incubation is generally 60-70 days. Young rat snakes begin to feed almost immediately on young mice and small lizards.

Status in Wild: Declining numbers primarily due to loss of suitable habitat, although this species is not threatened at this time.

The Black rat snake is one species that can adapt to the presence of human habitation. The rat snake family in general is extremely adaptable when it comes modification of their primary habitat. This snake will often seek out agricultural areas where rodents can be found.

The young of this species can be very highly colored compared to the adults.

False Water Cobra

Range: Brazil, South America

Habitat: Fresh water areas such as ponds and swamps.

Natural Diet: Small mammals, birds and lizards. Believed to occasionally eat fish.

Diet at RainForest: Small pre-killed rodents, chicks.

Size: 60-84"

RainForest Facts: Having the ability to spread a "hood" this non-venomous snake is often mistaken for a true cobra. As the name implies this animal is fond of aquatic habitats and is generally found near a permanent source of fresh water.

Status in Wild: Declining numbers primarily due to loss of habitat. The false water cobra is killed by uninformed individuals who believe the snake is venomous.

King Cobra

Range: From India eastward to Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines, and southeast through Malaysia and Indonesia. The largest are found in peninsular Malaysia and in Singapore. It is rare throughout its range and uncommon in Singapore.

Habitat: Bamboo thickets, Grasslands. Favors tea plantations where rodents are abundant. The King Cobra is not there to hunt the rodents, it is the other species of snakes that are attracted to the rodents that the King is after!

Natural Diet: The King Cobra hunts almost exclusive for reptiles, primarily snakes. They have been known to eat lizards when they are encountered by the snake.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents scented with snake.

Size: Worlds largest venomous snake, may reach 16 feet in the wild. Record of 18' individual is believed to be accurate.

Skin Coloration: The skin of the King Cobra varies by sub species but can be olive green, tan or black with faint, pale yellow cross banding. The underbelly of almost all King Cobras is a pale yellow or cream color.

Rain Forest Facts: By far the largest of all living venomous snakes, the King Cobra is capable of reaching lengths of over 18'. Capable of standing up to one-third of it's body length the King Cobra can stand tall enough to look an adult human in the eye! This, and other species of cobras are generally known to strike up to the distance they can raise their bodies above the ground, in the case of an adult King Cobra this may mean a strike range of over five feet!

A disappointing fact for many of the visitors to RainForest who come to see our King Cobra is the fact that this species does not have as large or impressive a "hood" as many other species of cobra. Cobras are often associated with "snake charming" where the hood of the cobra is displayed to the snake charmer as a threat.

As is the case with many of the snakes in the family Elapidae, this snake has a life span of approximately 20 years. Captive snakes often out live their wild cousins due to the ideal conditions under which they are kept, wild snakes must hunt for food, survive droughts and generally fend for themselves, this has a tendency to shorten their life spans compared to captive specimens.

King cobras shed their skins at the beginning of the breeding season. When the female sheds her skin, a scent or pheromone is released, which attracts a male to her. They may remain entwined for many hours while he fertilizes her. Unlike most snakes, king cobras can form stable pairs, and the male and the female may co-operate in searching for a nest. Once a site has been found, the male lurks nearby, ready to fight off any egg-eating predators. About 20-50 white eggs are laid by the female. Newly-hatched king cobras are glossy white with yellow stripes, and are already about 50cm long. They are able to hunt almost immediately.

A highly intelligent animal the King Cobra will actually build and defend a nest for it's eggs. A large clutch of King Cobra eggs may be 18-24! Record clutches of eggs numbering into the 50's is not uncommon.

The babies hatch sporting a beautiful stripped pattern that fades with time. Due to the large natural range of this cobra there are recognized sub-species of the King Cobra, each sub-species is highly variable in it's natural color patterns and sizes.

Unlike our North American Pit Vipers whose fangs are hinged and fold back into the roof of the mouth, the King Cobra has fixed fangs. A large adult King Cobra can have fangs up to a half an inch long. The fangs are not hollow, they are rear-facing which may actually help the King Cobra hang on to any prey item it has bitten.

A bite from the King Cobra results in large volumes of a neurotoxic venom being delivered to the affected area. It is the large volume of venom that does most of the dirty work, many other species of cobras are actually much more toxic than the King, but the volume of venom delivered is huge compared to smaller snakes.

The victims blood stream carries the venom throughout the body relatively quickly. A neurotoxic venom causes nerve endings to begin to fail and prevents the victim from breathing as well as other critical body functions. Death in small animals, even cold-blooded animals, is rapid.

Almost all of the King Cobras in the wild are faced with loss of habitat, the numbers of wild animals is declining at an alarming rate. Experts disagree as to whether or not the King Cobra was ever found in great concentrations, such apex predators rarely are densely populated even under ideal conditions.

The Latin name for the King Cobra is Ophiophagus hannah, literally translated this means snake eater. The King Cobra lives almost exclusively on other snakes, including venomous snakes.

Status in Wild: Numbers declining due to over collection as well as habitat destruction, may never have existed in large numbers in the wild.

Albino Cobra

Range: Asia

Habitat: Grasslands, lightly forested regions. Human farming areas.

Natural Diet: Small mammals & birds, snakes.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents.

Size: 5-7 feet

RainForest Facts: Named for the "monocle" or eye shaped pattern on the neck, only visible when the cobra spreads it's hood, the Monocled cobra is a fairly common inhabitant of human farming areas. The cobra frequently visits rice and grain fields in search of rodents as well as the other snakes that are drawn to the area to feast on the rodents.

Like all Cobras the Monocled Cobra lays eggs, the typical clutch is based largely on the size of the adult female. The average size clutch of eggs is 12-18. 60-75 days is the average incubation time for this species.

Natural predators of this snake include other species of snakes as well as small mammals such as mongoose and predatory cats.

An estimated 1 in 10,000 animals of all types are born as albinos, in the wild the animals lose the ability to hide from predators due to their lack of naturally occurring skin pigmentation. Predators have a very easy time finding these aberrantly colored animals and generally kill the albino animals before the creatures have a chance to mature and pass along the genetic fingerprint for albinism.

The captive diet of this snake is primarily small rodents. A voracious appetite is generally associated with this species.

Status in Wild: Not a naturally occurring color phase of the snake. Albino cobras would not survive in the wild

Monocled Cobra Home Up

Range: Asia

Habitat: Grasslands, lightly forested areas. Human farming areas.

Natural Diet: Small mammals & birds, snakes and occasional lizard.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 5-7 feet

Rain Forest Facts: This species of Cobra is often found near human habitation due to it's preference for rodents. Human farming and food storage has brought this species into close contact with native people.

Many bites from this species of cobra occur to humans. The primary reason for the great number of human contact incidents is the habit of this snake frequenting developed areas in search of a meal. Primarily nocturnal this snake can often be found searching for a meal after sundown.

All cobras are egg layers, this species generally produces one clutch of eggs per year. On rare occasion two clutches are laid. A suitable nesting site is selected by the female who abandons the eggs once they are laid. The average time of incubation is 60-70 days, Temperature can play a large roll in the length of the incubation.

Status in Wild: Not Threatened, populations declining in developed residential areas.

Forest Cobra

Range: Western tropical Africa. Senegal east to western Ethiopia and southern Somalia, south to Angola and Natal

Habitat: Heavily forested regions of western Africa. Sierra Leone and surrounding regions.

Natural Diet: Small mammals & birds, snakes

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 6-8 feet, specimens have been recorded over 9 feet in length.

Rain Forest Facts: The Forest Cobra is the second largest species of Cobra on earth. The RainForests of western Africa are home to this large predator, reaching lengths of over 7 feet this Cobra can deliver a very powerful bite to any would-be predator. Not afraid to stand their ground, the Forest Cobra is often regarded as an aggressive species in captivity.

Mating behavior of the African Forest Cobra includes male ritual combat. Two males will literally "dance" with each other to determine who wins the right to mate with the female cobra. Death or serious injury rarely occurs from such ritual behavior. Once a male has established his dominance the loser will generally move on with out any further incident. Juvenile cobras however must beware of large adults, the cobra is cannibalistic and will readily make a meal out of smaller snakes.

Status in Wild: Recent data suggests this species is declining rapidly near and around expanding human habitations as well as agricultural areas. This snake species may never have existed in large numbers to due it's position in the environment as an apex predator.

Egyptian Cobra

Range: Large geographical range thought to include the following countries: Algeria, Benin, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Habitat: Found near water sources in savannahs, rocky outcroppings and semi-desert regions.

Natural Diet: Small mammals & birds, and other snakes. The Egyptian Cobra is a voracious feeder in the wild and in captivity.

Diet at Rain Forest: Frozen Rodents, chicks.

Size: 5-7 feet, one of the largest of African Cobras.

RainForest Facts: This cobra is one of the most frequently used snakes in the "Snake Charming" arena. A wide hood and impressive build make this Cobra species a suitable entertainer for the charmers.

According to legend, Cleopatra asked that an asp, an Egyptian cobra, be delivered to her in a basket of figs. The asp was worshipped in ancient Egypt and used as a symbol on the crown of the pharaohs. By allowing this symbol of divine royalty to bite her, Cleopatra was believed to become immortal.

The venom of the Egyptian cobra is neurotoxic, that is it destroys nerve tissue, and it is much stronger than that of the common cobra. This venom has been used for many years in medical research because it has an enzyme, lecithinase, that dissolves cell walls and membranes surrounding viruses. When injected into its prey, the venom causes paralysis and death due to respiratory failure, usually within 15 minutes. With effective serum more available, however, the high death rate in some areas of Asia has decreased.

Status in Wild: This snake is rapidly disappearing in the majority of it's former range due primarily to over collection and loss of habitat. This species is often drawn towards human habitation where rodents etc. are more common. In coming into proximity with humans the cobra is often killed on sight.

Man represents the largest predator of this species of snake.

Red Spitting Cobra

Range: Africa

Habitat: Grasslands, rocky outcroppings known as kopje

Natural Diet: Small mammals, lizards & snakes

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet , thin bodied Cobra

RainForest Facts: A small cobra, the Red Spitting Cobra rarely reaches four feet in length and is known for having a thin build. It is possible this thin build allows the snake access to small cracks and crevices in the rocks of it's native habitat.

One of the Spitting Cobras, the Red Spitting Cobra can project and aim the venom up to 6 feet. The Venom is generally aimed at a predators eyes. The keepers at RainForest Adventures use welders masks to ensure our cobras due not cause any injury to our keepers. The venom causes intense pain and if not immediately washed from the eyes can cause permanent tissue damage that may lead to loss of sight.

Status in Wild: Vulnerable, small natural range.

African Black Spitting Cobra

Range: Africa, south of the Sahara

Habitat: Savannahs, Grasslands. Human Farming areas, generally not found far from permanent source of water

Natural Diet: Small mammals, snakes, lizards and occasionally ground dwelling birds

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 5-7 feet

RainForest Facts: One of Africa's largest Cobras, the African Black Spitting Cobra can reach up to 7 feet in length. This predator feeds primarily on snake and rodents. As is the case with all cobras the female lays eggs, one clutch per year is deposited in rotting vegetation. 75-80 days is the average incubation time for this species.

Monitor lizards as well as other predators exact a heavy toll on the eggs in the nest. Baby cobras posses powerful venom to protect themselves, at birth the cobra is ready to kill it's first meal. The first meal is actually not consumed for almost a week though as the snake completes absorbing the nutrients from the egg, a "post natal shed" occurs approximately one week after hatching.

Described as aggressive in the wild, the Black Spitting Cobra is a dangerous animal when cornered.

Status in Wild: Disappearing in the wild, hunted for human consumption as well as the skin trade. The loss of this snake species is leading to an increase in the rodent populations around human farming areas.

Puff Adder

Range: Africa, south of the Sahara. Largest geographical range of any of the adders.

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied dry habitats

Natural Diet: Small mammals, occasional ground dwelling birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet, very heavy bodied

Rain Forest Facts: There are currently two recognized species of the Puff Adder, differing in the construction of the scales. The animal is generally found in very stable numbers in sub-Saharan Africa. The Puff Adder is absent from high humidity environments such as those found on the west coast of Africa in the RainForest regions of the Congo.

Noted for having some of the most virulent hemotoxic venom of any snake, the Puff Adder can deliver large volumes of strong venom into deep bites with it's exceptionally long fangs. The bite of this creature to the native peoples of Africa is a very serious issue.

The skull and fang structure of this and other vipers is remarkable. The large fangs in the front of the skull act as hypodermic needles delivering large amounts of venom deep into the bite wound.

The fangs fold against the roof of the skull when not in use. Much like a shark the snake can regenerate fangs any time they become damaged or lost. Several new pairs of fangs can be seen developing immediately behind the primary pair.

Common threats in the wild include Warthogs, certain birds of prey and the occasional large Cobra.

In captivity the Puff Adder is known to retain a very nasty disposition, although the snake does exceptionally well in captivity due to it's strong appetite and seemingly strong ability to adjust to its environment.

As is the case with many species of Vipers this snake gives birth to live babies. Noted as the species that holds the world's record for live birth, the Puff Adder has produced as many as 156 live babies in a single clutch! Now that is a lot of little snake diapers to change!

Status in Wild: Stable

Wagler's Viper

Range: Asia

Habitat: Wetlands & forested regions

Natural Diet: Birds, rodents & Lizards

Diet at Rain Forest: Rodents

Size: 18-36"

Rain Forest Facts: Strictly arboreal the Wagler's viper hunts by using caudal luring, a process where the snake has a brightly colored portion to the rear of it's tail that it waves slowly back and forth to simulate the movement of a small insect in the foliage of the trees.

Once the prey item is fooled into coming close to the movement the Wagler's viper strikes with amazing speed, the strike delivers powerful venom that the prey item succumbs to rapidly. Many of the items eaten by the Wagler's viper are birds, long fangs allow the Wagler's viper to penetrate the feathers and deliver the venom, the snake also has a tendency to hang onto it's victims after delivering the venom.

Status in Wild: Stable in most parts of it's range, loss of it's rain forest habitat is resulting in certain populations coming under pressure.

Rhino Viper

Range: Africa

Habitat: Wetlands & forested regions

Natural Diet: Rodents, small ground nesting birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Rodents

Size: 3-4 feet

Keeper Notes: The Rhinoceros viper has pronounced horns on the nose that give the snake the appearance of being a Rhinoceros. The coloration pattern allows this animal to do a remarkable job of hiding in the leaf litter of it's native rain forest home. A live bearer, the Rhino viper gives birth to a small number of large young.

The skull and fang structure of this and other vipers is remarkable. The large fangs in the front of the skull act as hypodermic needles delivering large amounts of venom deep into the bite wound. The fangs fold against the roof of the skull when not in use. Much like a shark the snake can regenerate fangs any time they become damaged or lost. Several new pairs of fangs can be seen developing immediately behind the primary pair.

Status in Wild: Stable in most parts of it's range

East African Green Mamba

Range: Africa

Habitat: Strictly arboreal in nature, prefers dense forests

Natural Diet: Small mammals & birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 5-7 feet, very thin bodied.

Rain Forest Facts: One of the most feared snakes in Africa, the Green Mamba is capable of delivering a powerful neurotoxic venom to both prey items and would-be predators. This highly arboreal animal is thinly built to allow for ease of movement in the trees.

A bright green coloration helps the animal to hide in the foliage of it's native Africa. An egg layer, the Green Mamba has been observed feeding on birds, mammals and the occasional reptile. Once anti-venom was produced the death rate from Mamba bites has gone down but still remains a serious threat to humans as this animal and the growing human population come into contact with each other.

Four species of Mamba are currently recognized by the scientific community, they include the Black Mamba, the East African Green Mamba, the West African Green Mamba and the Jameson's Mamba. All species of Mambas live in Africa, the Black Mamba is widely recognized as the most dangerous of all African snake species to encounter in the wild, the Black Mamba is capable of reaching lengths of over 9 feet and will travel both on the ground as well as in the trees. All species of Mambas are egg-layers

Status in Wild: Numbers are stable in parts of range, habitat destruction is beginning to take it's toll

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Range: Deserts of the S.W. United States

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied dry habitats

Natural Diet: Small mammals

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet, very heavy bodied

Rain Forest Facts: An aggressive and defensive snake, the Western Diamondback is the species that accounts for the majority of bites to humans in the United States. A powerful hemotoxic venom is delivered in large quantities to prey items, death is rapid in even the largest of food items such as a rabbit.

The Diamondback is being hunted both out of fear and for the skin which is used for leather products. Sadly, such horrific events as Rattlesnake Roundups are still going on today. In spite of the danger of a bite this animal is an exceptionally important component of the ecosystem. Many species of snakes are captured and destroyed during the "roundups" not just the diamondbacks.

Native American history concerning this venomous snake dates back centuries. Revered, feared, and even worshipped, this snake played an important role in the daily lives of western tribes.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Range: Southeast United States including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Southern Alabama

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied dry and wetland habitats

Natural Diet: Small mammals, occasional birds. A very important predator of rabbits in certain geographical locations.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet, very heavy bodied. Holds the world's record for rattlesnakes at 96"

Rain Forest Facts: The largest and most heavy bodied of all North American venomous snakes, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is not normally as aggressive as it's western cousin. The record size for this snake is over 8 feet long. All species of Rattlesnakes give birth to live babies, the average size litter for the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is 8-12 young. The babies are born fully capable of hunting for their first meal within just a few short days of birth. The vast majority of births for the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake occurs in June and July.

Status in Wild: Threatened in majority of previous range due to habitat destruction. May be expatriated from vast regions of Florida and coastal southern Georgia.

Timber Rattlesnake

Range: Eastern United States, formerly the widest ranging Rattlesnake in the U.S. Expatriated from much of it's former range.

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied dry and wetland habitats with a distinct preference for wooded areas.

Natural Diet: Small mammals, occasional birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet Tends to be larger in the southern portions of it's range. Northern populations rarely exceed 4 feet.

Rain Forest Facts: The most highly variable of all rattle snakes when it comes to color patterns. The Timber rattlesnake can be almost entirely black or in some cases very lightly colored. Geographical range appears to have a significant influence on the color patterns of the snake.

In spite of the fact that this snake is decreasing in number, it is still the most frequently encountered of all rattlesnakes by most people in the eastern United States. The Appalachian and Smoky Mountains are still home to fairly stable populations of Timber Rattlesnakes. Suitable habitats and protection in National Parks has led to a reasonably stable population.

True ambush predators the Timber rattlesnake is not easily excitable, instead this snake will tend to remain motionless and will rarely "rattle" unless truly disturbed.

Great caution should be taken while hiking or rock climbing as this snake does contain a powerful hemotoxin capable of causing serious injury to humans.

Status in Wild: Threatened in majority of previous range due to habitat destruction and over collection for Rattlesnake roundups.

Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia and Ohio all list the Timber rattlesnake as an endangered species. The animal is listed as threatened in New York, Indiana and Illinois.

Interestingly enough interviews with local farmers in rural areas such as Galena, Il still produce tales of dense populations of timber rattlesnakes in spite of field work that clearly points to the contrary. This belief that the snake is still widespread brings up interesting debates about the psychological impact of living amongst venomous snakes.

One problem which is unique to this species of rattlesnake is the animals propensity to den in the same cavity year after year. Once the den is destroyed or discovered by rattlesnake hunters the animals are often destroyed in huge numbers.

It is widely believed that female rattlesnakes must be at least 8-10 years old to breed for the first time.

copperhead

Range: Large portion of South East and lower mid-western United States. Including Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee Habitat: Forested regions as well as human agricultural areas. This species is not aquatic, but is generally not found far from a source of freshwater. Natural Diet: Small mammals, Fish, Lizards. Known to also eat amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Avoids toads due to the toxicity of the skin. Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents Size: 2-3 feet, thin animal with wide head and narrow neck. Rain Forest Facts: Often killed by humans this relatively harmless snake is both shy and reclusive. Often found near a source of water, the Copperhead is a small snake, as a result of it's size the bite to humans is rarely a serious threat. The bite from a Copperhead causes instant pain and swelling. The snake however rarely delivers much venom, a small head, coupled with small teeth tend to result in a relatively small amount of venom being injected into the bite victim. Copperhead venom is mildly hemotoxic and causes damage to the immediate bite area and surrounding tissue in humans. In the small prey items that are bitten by the Copperhead the result is quite different, a small mouse may have only 1/2,000th the body weight of a human, this small body mass is quickly overwhelmed by the venom and the rodent rapidly succumbs to the effects. Even animals as large as a small dog (15-35 pounds) often survive a copperhead bite with little more than localized swelling and occasionally small amounts of tissue loss. Unlike some other predators it has been noted that the copperhead will often times attempt to bite and hold its prey item. The rattlesnake family for example tends to strike and release the prey item allowing the rodent to run away, the rattlesnake will then follow a scent trail to the victim. The venom of the rattlesnake is much more potent and is generally delivered in larger quantities, this may account for the rattlesnake quickly striking and releasing, the snake has confidence the venom will do its job. It is assumed that the copperhead holds its prey since the venom of the copperhead is not as potent as the other pit vipers in North America. Many myths and legends exist about this snake, one common myth is that a child has been bitten while playing with a "nest" of copperhead babies that are mistaken for worms! False on many fronts this urban legend is often repeated by individuals who claim to actually have been there!!! Copperheads utilize caudal luring to catch prey. This picture is of a young copperhead displaying caudal luring tail coloration. Status in Wild: Stable, is often the most frequently encountered venomous snake in the eastern United States. Generally found near a body of fresh water.

Eastern Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Range: Southeast United States (not found in Smoky Mountains)

Habitat: Terrestrial animal found in varied wet habitats, almost always found near water

Natural Diet: Small mammals, fish

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 3-5 feet, very heavy bodied

Status in Wild: Stable. Use caution when approaching wild snakes. This species can be aggressive in defending it's territory. Unlike the majority of wild animals the Cottonmouth will stand it's ground!

The term Cottonmouth is derived from the fact that this snake will open, or gape, it's mouth when threatened. While the mouth is open a white lining that covers the inside of the mouth is exposed, this peculiar method of frightening predators is specific to this snake.

There are three recognized sub-species of Water Moccasins in the United States. The Eastern, Western and Florida. All sub-species resemble each other very closely. Geographical range is one of the only ways in which these animals can be told apart by the novice. The expert can detect slight differences in the features of the snakes.

This snake has very few natural predators. Given the large body size and thick girth of a Cottonmouth even the Kingsnake rarely makes a meal out of the Cottonmouth. As is the case with all aquatic species of snakes the large predatory birds such as Herons etc. will eat young Cottonmouths. Alligators are known to kill and consume Cottonmouths of all sizes.

Mammals such as the raccoon and the opossum present a threat to small or juvenile snakes.

This snake and all of our Pit Vipers in the U.S. are live bearing animals. The Coral snake, (the United States other venomous snake) reproduces by laying eggs. A female Cottonmouth will generally reproduce by her fourth year of age. The larger the female is the greater number of babies she is likely to produce. This species is known to average approximately 8 young per clutch.

When baby Cottonmouths are newborn they have a more brightly colored pattern which can resemble the Copperhead. As the snakes mature they lose their coloration, and in some instances actually become "Stained" by the color of the muddy water bottoms they inhabit.

Many, many a harmless water snake has been killed in the false belief that they are Cottonmouths, both animals are highly aquatic and bear a striking resemblance to each other. One interesting fact about identifying the difference between the harmless water snakes and the venomous cottonmouth is the Cottonmouths ability to float more readily than the harmless water snakes. It has been noted by several authors that the Cottonmouths appear to be "cork like" in their ability to bob in the water with little or no effort.

Frequently Asked Snake Questions

Can Snakes Smell?

They do not use the same type of olfactory organs that humans do, we smell by using our noses, snakes use something completely different to detect odor particles in the air. Snakes use highly specialized organs in the roof of their mouths to collect particles from the air. The Jacobson's Organ is named after the individual who discovered this unique organ. A snakes' tongue will move in and out rapidly to pick up particles floating in the air and deposit them on the roof of the mouth where the organ is located.

The Snake then is able to determine such things as the whereabouts of prey, water and other stuff! Creatures such as the Rattlesnake will bite a victim and follow the scent trail left by the rodent as it flees. The snakes venom eventually kicks in and the prey item will die, the snake simply has to follow the trail using the particles given off by the fleeing animal.

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Can Snakes Hear?

Snakes have no external ear openings but do have an inner ear. They detect sound primarily by vibrations in the air. The extremely sensitive plates on the belly of snakes are also a method the animal uses to detect both prey and predators, while this is not hearing in the sense that we think of it this form of gathering vital information is very successful for the snake.

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Why Do Snakes Shed?

Humans shed their skin almost continuously from birth, snakes shed several times per year but this process occurs all at once compared to the millions of individual skin cells that humans shed off daily. Our reasons for shedding are very similar to the snakes, one it allows us to grow and repair damage from scrapes and abrasions. The actual name of the process of shedding is Ecdysis. Ecdysis occurs at various time intervals based on many factors, the age of a snake, it's growth rate and other environmental factors, including parasites, can determine how often a snake will shed.

One widely held belief is that you can tell the age of a Rattlesnake by counting the buttons or rattles on it's tail. Each time the snake sheds it leaves a piece of the skin behind creating or adding to the rattle. A young rattlesnake with plenty of food available may shed as often as every six weeks! So you can see that by the time the young snake reached it's first birthday the animal may have as many as 8 rattles! When the rattles reach a certain length they become too long and will actually break off, so an adult may not have any rattles at all! There is nothing that can be learned by counting the buttons on a Rattlesnakes tail (except whether or not your first grade teacher taught you to count!)

Many ancient cultures believed snakes lived forever, seeing the snake crawl from it's skin the people believed the animals were being born again!

The actual species of snake can occasionally be identified from the shed itself. Some pigmentation from the snakes skin will stay with the shed skin, if this pattern is identifiable enough an fairly accurate determination can be made of the species that shed it!

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How Long Do snakes Live?

The age of a snake varies greatly by species, the longest recorded age for a snake in captivity was a little over 46 years for a Ball Python housed at the Philadelphia Zoo.

On average most of our North American Snakes will live about 18-20 years in captivity. The large family of Boa and Python snakes will average closer to 30 years in captivity.

In the wild their life span is reduced due to natural pressures from predators, harsh winters, droughts etc. The average age of a wild snake in North America is believed to be 10-11 years.

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Where Do Snakes Spend the Winter?

Some tropical snakes never hibernate. In climates with harsh winter temperatures all cold-blooded animals need to seek refuge from extreme temperatures. The vast majority of snakes utilize existing burrows of mammals or rotted tree trunks etc. Some species will utilize rocky outcroppings where available to over winter.

There are several documented species, including the Hognose Snake that will burrow down into soft soil and spend the winter a few inches below the surface. The metabolism of the snake slows down substantially with a heart rate barely detectable. The snakes of northern climates such as Canada are often underground for over 9 months per year!

One amazing hibernation story is the Garter Snakes of Manitoba, Canada. Thousands of Red sided garter snakes enter limestone caves to seek shelter below the frost line in an area that can experience harsh winter weather. This is the largest gathering of snakes anywhere in the world. A mass exodus occurs when spring temperatures warm enough to allow the snakes to move about above ground. Males are the first to exit and do so almost in unison. Breeding begins in earnest with males overwhelming the females, mating balls can last up to two weeks before the snakes disperse into the surrounding countryside. Research has shown that many of the snakes return to the same den on an annual basis. While this may be almost unheard of and certainly an amazing sight it also leaves the animals very vulnerable to a man made or natural disaster that may potentially befall the den and destroy thousands of animals at a time.

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How Do Snakes Reproduce?

The Majority of snakes lay eggs. There are a few species that give birth to live babies, most notably in the United States all of the pit vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads and the cottonmouth or water moccasins give birth to live babies. In the case of the live bearers (boa constrictors and anacondas are two new world examples) the female actually retains the eggs inside of her body where they hatch and the babies are passed out fully formed.

Click here to see RainForest Adventures latest births

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How Many different Snakes Are There?

It is accepted today that there are a little more than 2,700 species of snakes. The sub-species count varies based on continuing discussion concerning the taxonomy of several species of snakes. Advanced identification tecqniues such as DNA have allowed our knoweldege of snake species (and lots of other creatures) to expand greatly in just the last decade.

Hybrids are snakes that generally do not occur naturally in the wild, (there are a few exceptions to the rule, notably different King snakes interbreeding in the U.S. etc) several hybrids have been produced by breeders today to naturally select color patterns etc. While these hybrid snakes do increase the number of different types of snakes they are not considered new species.

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Which Snake is the Most Poisonous?

The question we are asked the most! First let's set something straight, no snake is poisonous! Snakes are venomous, poison is something you ingest, venom is a highly specialized chemical that the snakes use in several ways.

But lets get back to the question, the Sea Snakes are the most toxic of all snakes, but pose little if any threat to humans. As far as land snakes are concerned Australia has several that are highly toxic to humans. The Taipan and Brown snake are considered to be the most toxic of land dwelling snakes.