Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that have scales layered over their skin. Common reptiles include lizards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles.
The Biggest Alligator on Record, by Weight and Length
7 of the Largest Crocodiles Ever Measured
Alligators Go Back 6 Million Years Further Than Thought
What Is the Longest Snake in the World? Meet the Top 9
The Most Dangerous Snake in the World Has Competition
How the Spider-tailed Horned Viper Tricks Unsuspecting Prey
What Do Turtles Eat?
Alligator Snapping Turtles Lure Prey With Wriggling Worm-like Tongue Appendage
What's the Difference Between a Tortoise and a Turtle?
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The Guinness World Record for the heaviest snake goes to the green anaconda, a massive creature that tips the scales at over 500 pounds — basically the snake equivalent of a grand piano. But when it comes to length, some ancient species stretch even longer than a school bus. These slithering giants are the ultimate combination of "long and strong."
The "most dangerous snake in the world" debate is entrenched in technicalities because there are so many species of dangerous snakes that have evolved with specialized weapons and deadly skills. These predators threaten small prey in the wild, as well as occasional unlucky humans who cross their paths.
By Mitch Ryan
There probably aren't many animals as aptly named as the spider-tailed horned viper. With a tail tip that resembles a spider and horns atop its head, it's easy to visualize this venomous snake.
By Yara Simón
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If you came across an alligator in your yard (a totally plausible scenario in a place like Florida), you might think it's the biggest alligator you ever saw. But if it's not pushing 1,000 pounds and 15 feet in length, then it's likely not breaking any records.
By Yara Simón
Although New Guinea's Papuan olive python is nonvenomous, its color-changing camouflage and mighty constriction make it an excellent hunter.
The highly adaptable amethystine python is a nocturnal predator that's able to make itself at home in tropical rainforest, mountains and other landscapes.
The Cuban boa finds shelter in trees and gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The oldest Cuban boa is over 30 years old.
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The yellow anaconda isn't the only snake species to form breeding balls for mating privileges, but it will engage in the ritual for several hours or even days.
The Indian python was once considered a subspecies of the Burmese python. Now that the former is recognized as its own distinct species, it faces endangerment.
The king brown snake, also known as the mulga, occupies many regions of Australia and is partial to the most arid regions.
The African rock python has a diet of large animals that include crocodiles and warthogs. Learn how this giant snake is capable of eating even larger prey.
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The eastern indigo snake takes advantage of a unique shelter that provides much-needed protection to the endangered species and its young.
The green anaconda hunts both in water and on dry land, which is even scarier when you realize the snake is capable of eating prey larger than its own body.
The boa constrictor is a large, nonvenomous snake known for squeezing the life from its prey. They are not considered to be at a high risk of extinction.
The Burmese python is a solitary and nocturnal creature, but it's become an invasive species in Florida as a result of the exotic pet trade.
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The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake in the world and is one of the few snake species to make a nest for its eggs.
Pythons, the longest snakes in the world, are nonvenomous with a lethal squeeze. These snakes constrict their prey before devouring the meal.
One of the largest crocodiles ever was so big that one website called the species "bus-sized."
By Yara Simón
Just one bite from any of these venomous snakes could cost you your life. They're some of the deadliest snakes in the world and you don't want to mess with them.
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A new study dispels the myth that snakes are deaf to airborne sounds and reveals that different species react differently to the sounds they hear.
While you may not want to encounter one on a hike, there's no denying that snakes are magnificent creatures — no matter how big or small they are. But when it comes to the biggest snakes in the world, nature truly knows no bounds.
Turtles, whether giant land tortoises, sea turtles or the pet turtle in your aquarium, tend to be omnivores and love a varied vegetarian and protein diet.
Welcome to the wild, wild world of dual penises, delayed fertilization, mama python incubators and springtime "mating balls."
By Mark Mancini
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If you're looking for the venomous timber rattler, the U.S. is the place to be, as these bad boys are found in at least 27 states.
By Mark Mancini
Often confused with the venomous coral snake, which advertises its toxicity through bright bands of color, the milk snake is harmless to humans.
By Mark Mancini