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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Corn Snakes: Beloved by Both Farmers and Reptile Enthusiasts
These modern rat snakes have an affinity for barns (and the rodents that live in them). But the myriad of colors makes them a reptile hobbyist's dream.
Coral Snakes: Brightly Banded and Highly Venomous
These colorful snakes are found all over the world and are highly venomous, so the best strategy is to avoid them.
Water Moccasin, Cottonmouth: Different Names, Same Venomous Snake
Cottonmouth snakes are often called water moccasins and are one of only four venomous snakes found in North America.
Copperhead Snakes: Not Always Lethal, But Best Left Alone
Though a copperhead will bite if disturbed, and it is venomous, its bite is rarely fatal.
The Harmless Garter Snake Is Your Garden's Best Friend
Garter snakes are harmless, very common and beneficially feed on slugs, leeches, large insects and small rodents in North American gardens.
How Did Snakes Lose Their Legs?
Snakes and lizards share a common ancestor, and snakes still have the genetic coding for legs and feet. So where did those appendages go?
Here's Why You Shouldn't Eat a Box Turtle in the Wild
Eating wild turtles may sound like an easy catch for survival, but it's a bad idea for several reasons.
Florida Enlists Expert Indian Snake Hunters to Solve Its Python Problem
Irula tribesmen, pros at catching deadly snakes, traveled all the way from India to be on the Burmese python case in South Florida.
Alligators Go Back 6 Million Years Further Than Thought
New fossil analysis illuminates the evolution of the modern American gator species, and why it may prefer freshwater sources — like your local golf course.
The Real Reason Turtles Have Shells (Hint, It's Not for Protection)
Why do turtles have shells is the kind of question a kid would ask. But the answer is surprisingly complicated.
Nile Crocodiles Retiring to South Florida?
Researchers have found three of these massive predators in South Florida. Could they join the ranks of Burmese pythons and other invasive species that call Florida home?
Alligators Fatter and Happier Courtesy of Wading Birds
We knew that wading birds like to use alligators as their guard dogs, but now researchers have figured out exactly how alligators benefit from the deal.
Caves of Hanging Snakes
At night in caves around the world, dangling snakes emerge from hiding ready to scarf up flying bats.
How Snake Handlers Work
When you handle deadly snakes for a living, caution is job one. When you handle snakes for God, it is not. Let's meet some folks in both worlds.
What’s the largest snake that has ever existed?
Prepare to meet the king of snakes, the largest serpent to ever slither its way out of prehistory and into your nightmares.
What's the deal with crocodile tears?
Just how deceitful a creature is the sharp-toothed, swimming crocodile? Any more so than the other animals inhabiting our waters? They do cry, but it has nothing to do with insincerity.
Lace Monitor Facts, Pictures, Video
Meet the lace monitor! View pictures, watch video, read facts, explore interactives and more.
How to Scare Away Rattlesnakes
You may encounter a rattle snake lazing in its natural habitat and want to know how to scare it away. Learn about how to scare away rattlesnakes in this article.
How to Breed Ring-neck Snakes
Learn how to breed ring-neck snakes and start a successful breeding business. Learn about how to breed a ring-neck snake in this article.
How to Know if a Snake Is Venomous
Learning how to know if a snake is venomous isn't hard. Learn about how to know if a snake is venomous in this article.
How to Identify the Pygmy Rattlesnake
If you are in the Southeastern United States, you should know how to identify a pygmy rattlesnake. Learn about how to identify the pygmy rattlesnake in this article.
How to Identify Garden Snakes
You can identify garden snakes, more commonly called garter snakes, by the three stripes on their backs that are reminiscent of garters. Learn about how to identify garden snakes in this article.
How to Feed Baby Turtles
If you have a pet baby turtle, you surely want to know how and what to feed it. This article will tell you how to feed baby turtles.
Did crocodiles descend from dinosaurs?
Crocodiles look a lot like dinosaurs, and they have certain similar characteristics. But are they related at all, or are the similarities all coincidence?
What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
Every once in a while, you'll hear about a giant reptile sneaking into suburbia. But have you ever wondered whether that's an alligator or crocodile leisurely drifting in your swimming pool?
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