Snake: Common name for an elongated, limbless reptile of the order Squamata.
Most snakes live on the ground, but some are burrowers, arboreal or aquatic; one group is exclusively marine. Snakes tend to hibernate in temperate climates. Generally, they are solitary but may gather in places rich in food and shelter. In some cases, large numbers hibernate together. Snakes range in length from a mere 4 inches to 30 feet or more. 

Snakes move by means of muscular contractions. Elongated scales on the abdomen overlap with the open ends pointing towards the tail. The muscles attached to the ribs can move these plates forward.

It is generally believed that snakes are descended from lizards. Some snake species still have "hooks" or what is believed to be the remains of hind limbs. Considering that they have no limbs, they have survived and adapted to become one of the most feared creatures on earth. An evolutionary miracle, to say the least.

Snakes feed on anything from insects, small or large mammals to other snakes. Their diet depends on whether they are constrictors, venomous or non-venomous. The smaller snakes will tend to hunt smaller things such as insects while the larger constrictors will tend to eat larger mammals. All snakes are carnivorous.

Constrictors will grab their prey with the jaws while quickly wrapping their bodies around it and "constricting". Venomous snakes inject their prey with venom through their fangs. Some snake venom is deadly to humans and antivenoms are not available for all types of venom. Research in this area is extremely important as in some cases; the venom is so fast acting that death occurs within minutes of being bitten.

There is an estimated 2700 to 3000 snake species in the world. Most of these snakes are non-venomous (about 80%).

Snakes have no external ear openings. They can "taste" the air with their tongues and feel vibrations through their bodies.

Snakes generally make most people very squeamish. They are long, look slimy and move with an undetectable locomotion. They hiss and spit and can be very aggressive. That bit from the Garden of Eden didn't help them either. They have come to represent evil in some cultures. In some cultures, however; they were revered and worshipped. Emblems of doctors and pharmacists have a snake in them - curious. In olden days, travelling salesmen were known as "snake oil peddlers." It may surprise some of you to find out that some medicines are actually made with snake venom. Southern Copperhead venom is used in a medication for the treatment of breast cancer. Venom from the Jararaca is used in high blood pressure medication. Saw Scaled Viper venom is used in blood thinning medication used for the treatment of heart attacks. The venom of the Black Mamba is currently being studied as a treatment for pain resistance to narcotic painkillers. And let's not forget that snakes have always kept the rodent population in check.