Snakes live in many places on the planet – but not everywhere. Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland and New Zealand are a few of the spots that are entirely snake free.
In the UK, there are three native species of snake (grass snake, adder and smooth snake) but there are over 4,000 types of snake worldwide with around 600 of those being venomous – only half of these have venom that can kill humans.
But some non-venomous snakes are still worth steering clear of. Constrictors are a case in point: these non-venomous snakes can become huge, and species such as the green anaconda can easily swallow their prey whole.
Snakes can be incredibly fast – the black mamba, for example, can reach speeds of up to 15kph on open ground. Some snakes can perform impressive gymnastics, with certain species known to cartwheel away when a predator is near. Then there is the flying snake, which glides through the air from tree to tree in its forest habitat.
What is the most common snake in the world?
The answer to ‘what is the most common snake in the world?’ is not an easy one to decipher, because there have been no specific global studies on the subject. However, many believe it is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), a species indigenous to North America.
The common garter snake can grow to a length of 86cm and gives birth to live young, rather than eggs. It also has an intriguing evolutionary connection with toxic newts, having evolved a resistance to the toxins. This means the common garter snake can retain the newt’s toxins in its liver for weeks after eating it, making it poisonous. It is also venomous, although its venom is not dangerous to humans.
One of the reasons that people believe common garter snakes are the most common snake in the world is their popularity as a pet.
Where are the most snakes in the world?
There is an island dubbed Snake Island, off the coast of Brazil, that is said to support one of the largest snake populations on Earth. Ilha da Queimada Grande is around 43 hectares in size and is home to thousands of venomous snakes, including the golden lancehead, a species of pit viper not found anywhere else in the world. As a result, the Brazilian navy restricts visitors to the island, authorising only scientific expeditions.
It has been estimated that around 2,000–4,000 snakes live on the island, but it is thought that the population has declined in recent years.
Most common snake in the UK?
The grass snake is thought to be the UK’s most common snake species. It is the UK’s longest snake and can exceed a metre in length. It will rarely bite, even when threatened, instead striking out, but not opening its mouth.
