Reptiles

The prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and has a bite that, it's said, can snap a wooden broom handle in half.

By Mark Mancini

A new species of green pit viper found in India has been named after the founder of Harry Potter's Slytherin house.

By Patty Rasmussen

They both have prehistoric looking shells and squatty legs, but how are they different?

By Jesslyn Shields

The green anaconda is the largest of the anaconda species, which makes it arguably the biggest snake in the world.

By Mark Mancini

From its small size to its docile nature and long life span, the spotted python fills the bill as a great family pet. Our writer should know, he's got one.

By Mark Mancini

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.

By Mark Mancini

These colorful snakes are found all over the world and are highly venomous, so the best strategy is to avoid them.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

Cottonmouth snakes are often called water moccasins and are one of only four venomous snakes found in North America.

By John Perritano

Though a copperhead will bite if disturbed, and it is venomous, its bite is rarely fatal.

By John Perritano & Zach Taras

Garter snakes are harmless, very common and beneficially feed on slugs, leeches, large insects and small rodents in North American gardens.

By John Perritano

Snakes and lizards share a common ancestor, and snakes still have the genetic coding for legs and feet. So where did those appendages go?

By Nathan Chandler

Eating wild turtles may sound like an easy catch for survival, but it's a bad idea for several reasons.

By Patrick J. Kiger

New fossil analysis illuminates the evolution of the modern American gator species, and why it may prefer freshwater sources — like your local golf course.

By Jesslyn Shields

Why do turtles have shells is the kind of question a kid would ask. But the answer is surprisingly complicated.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

At night in caves around the world, dangling snakes emerge from hiding ready to scarf up flying bats.

By Sarah Gleim

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.

By Julia Layton

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.

By Kate Kershner

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.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you are thinking of getting a pet baby turtle, make sure you know how and what to feed it to ensure it lives a long and happy life.

By Laurie L. Dove

Crocodiles look a lot like dinosaurs, and they have certain similar characteristics. But are they related at all, or are the similarities all coincidence?

By Cristen Conger

Some animals are home hoppers — they'll leave small or damaged shells behind when they find better digs. Are turtles the same, or are they more invested in their keratin coverings?

By Maria Trimarchi