Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that have scales layered over their skin. Common reptiles include lizards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles.
Nile Crocodile: Giant, Vicious and Surprisingly Social
So, the American Alligator Can Climb Trees ... How Terrifying
Saltwater Crocodile: Enormous and Dangerously Patient
The Largest Anaconda Ever Found Weighed More Than a Gorilla
Saw-scaled Viper: Opportunistic, Fast and Highly Venomous
Inland Taipan: Most Venomous Snake in the World
A Giant Tortoise Lives in the 'Galápagos of the Indian Ocean'
Green Sea Turtle: Named for Its Fat, Not Its Scales or Shell
The Leatherback Sea Turtle Is the Size of a Small Car
Learn More / Page 4
The Congo snake, often shrouded in mystery and myth, has captured the imagination of people around the world, particularly with tales of a giant snake reportedly sighted by Belgian pilot Colonel Remy Van Lierde during a mission in the 1950s.
The black mamba, one of the world's most feared snakes, can strike multiple times in rapid succession, delivering enough venom to kill multiple humans within minutes. This is just one of the many reasons snakes are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth.
Carpet snakes, also known as carpet pythons, are some of the most adaptable and widespread pythons in Australia and parts of New Guinea. These nonvenomous snakes are known for their beautiful patterns and impressive size - reaching an average length of up to 13 feet (roughly 4 meters). The carpet snake is a common sight in various habitats.
By Mitch Ryan
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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
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
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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.
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.
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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.
The eastern indigo snake takes advantage of a unique shelter that provides much-needed protection to the endangered species and its young.
By Desiree Bowie & Mack Hayden
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.