subject: Snakes: Look But Do Not Touch [print this page] Snakes are oftentimes linked to death and evil doings. In movies, large snakes are depicted as vicious creatures feeding on human flesh. They instill in the minds of the people that large snakes hunt and treat people as their prey. Contrary to what is shown in the movies, large snakes do not hunt humans. Most of the time, they prefer to stay away from humans and enjoy their solitude.
One of the large species of snake noted in the world are the African rock python, Burmese python, reticulated python and Anaconda.
The African rock python is considered to be the third largest snake in the world. It can grow up to 30 feet in length and can weigh 250 lbs. Brown marks outlined by black on tan background surround its body. Like most of the pythons, African rock python kills its prey by constricting it. It can live for a year without eating if the size of the animal it eats is enough to sustain it. African rock python is dormant during dry season.
Burmese python is also one of the large snakes in the world and are already classified as endangered species. Burmese pythons grow to as big as 25 feet; weigh around 200 lbs. and their girth as big as telephone pole. This is the primary reason why most of the Burmese python owners abandon them after a few years. Burmese python cannot see clearly, thus, it hunts its prey with the help of the chemical receptors in their tongue and heat sensors on their jaws.
The Reticulated python is said to be one of the longest snakes in the world for it can grow up to 34 feet. Reticulated pythons live in the coast of Southeast Asia. They are also known for their reticulated eyes which is marked by its vertical pupils and orange irises that helps them see during nighttime.
Anacondas can be found in South America. Due its large size, Anacondas are also referred as king of snakes. At an average, Anacondas can grow to a length of 17 feet though some grows up to 28 feet and weigh 215 lbs. Anacondas opt to live in water in order to support its weight.
The above mentioned snakes are only a few of the species of large snakes in the world. In reality, pythons hide when they sense humans approaching. It is only in very rare situations, such as when they are not properly fed and they are hungry and irritated, that they attack human beings. Snakes, with their characteristics, suggest that you can look at them, but you can never touch.
