Reptiles

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that have scales layered over their skin. Common reptiles include lizards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles.

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Lizards are some of the most diverse and fascinating creatures on the planet. There are so many types of reptiles that come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes and colors, from worm-sized snakes and tiny turtles to gargantuan crocodiles and giant monitor lizards that could pass for modern-day dinosaurs.

By Mack Hayden

If you've ever seen a lizard running across the surface of water, you've likely witnessed the amazing basilisk lizard in action. This stunning feat earned the basilisk the nickname "Jesus Christ lizard." Like the founder of Christianity, this slithery critter can walk across lakes and seas.

By Mack Hayden

The Galapagos tortoise is one of the most iconic reptiles on Earth, and for good reason. These gentle giants are the largest tortoises in the world, living on the Galápagos Islands and playing a key role in their ecosystems.

By Karina Ryan

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Did you know green iguanas have a third eye and can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long?

By Ada Tseng

The green sea turtle is among the most elegant marine creatures cruising through our oceans. Known for their gentle demeanor and striking appearance, these marine turtles are vital to ocean ecosystems, especially their marine turtle habitat in coral reefs and seagrass meadows.

By Desiree Bowie

Found across Africa, these aquatic giants are known for their incredible hunting abilities, remarkable parenting instincts. To be honest, their ability to make us glad we're not in their neighborhood!

By Zach Taras

Found only in Indonesia, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) roams the rugged terrain of islands like Komodo Island and within Komodo National Park, a protected sanctuary for these unique reptiles.

By Mack Hayden

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The leatherback sea turtle is the heavyweight of the sea turtle world ... literally. This sea turtle species can grow as long as a small car and weighing over half a ton!

By Mack Hayden

The American alligator is the second-largest reptile in North America, falling just slightly behind its cousin, the American crocodile.

By Mitch Ryan

The Indian saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is one of the most infamous and dangerous Indian snakes. These venomous snakes are known for their speed, aggression and powerful venom, which makes them one of the deadliest snakes to humans.

By Mitch Ryan

Today, we're diving into the world of the most venomous snake on the planet: the inland taipan. This slithery predator isn't just the most dangerous in terms of venom strength; it's also a highly specialized creature that has adapted to life in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

By Nicole Antonio

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The saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, is the largest living reptile on Earth, and it rules the waters from northern Australia to Southeast Asia. These massive reptiles are often called "salties" and can grow to incredible sizes, with large male saltwater crocodiles sometimes reaching lengths of up to 7 meters (23 feet).

By Talon Homer

An orange snake stands out with its striking hues and unique patterns, making it one of the most beautiful reptiles in the wild. From forest floors to deserts, these snakes use their bright coloring for camouflage or warning.

By Yara Simón

At first glance, the coral snake vs. king snake distinction can seem borderline impossible. But these two reptiles are worlds apart in terms of how they live, hunt and defend themselves.

By Yara Simón

Let’s talk about one slithery critter that's made quite a name for itself: the brown tree snake. These sneaky reptiles may look like your average snake, but they've caused a big stir in some unexpected places.

By Mack Hayden

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Slender as a twig and perfectly camouflaged in trees, the vine snake is an adaptable reptile. They live in some of the most lush and vibrant environments, including the forests of South America.

By Yara Simón

The plain-bellied water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster) is a sleek, semiaquatic snake that inhabits central North America. They thrive in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, making them highly adaptable predators.

By Yara Simón

If you see a horned snake, you'll understand how it got its name: They have unique "horns" near their eyes. These venomous snakes live in deserts and other dry environments, and their adaptations help them survive and hunt in harsh conditions.

By Yara Simón

According to a University of Michigan study, snakes won the evolutionary jackpot, partly because of their speed. These stealthy ambush predators can really get moving when they need to chase down prey or escape danger.

By Yara Simón

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Let's talk about one of the coolest movers and shakers in the desert world: the sidewinder snake. Known for its unique way of getting around, this snake has mastered the art of slithering across scorching desert sands in the hottest places on Earth.

By Talon Homer

In North America and other parts of the world, you may encounter a red and black snake along your hike and wonder if you're dealing with a venomous snake species or something like a harmless milk snake.

By Talon Homer

Humans have the birds and the bees to explain the ins and outs of reproduction, but for our slithering friends, the process is far more intriguing. So, how do snakes reproduce?

By Nicole Antonio

We're about to dive into the world of a snake you might not have heard much about: the rough earth snake. This small, secretive snake is found in various parts of the United States, and while it might not be as flashy as some other reptiles, it's got some nifty features that make it an important part of its ecosystem.

By Mack Hayden

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Join us as we dive into the deep blue to meet one of the ocean's most fascinating and mysterious creatures: the yellow-bellied sea snake.

By Zach Taras

While snakes skillfully hunt their prey, they aren’t at the top of the food chain. From birds of prey to larger mammals, there are plenty of animals in the wild that hunt snakes for a tasty meal.

By Yara Simón