Reptiles in general are covered with scales, are the same temperature as their surroundings and have been around for billions of years. Snakes and lizards are closely related. Snakes are Iegless, have no external ear opening and are not sIimy . All snakes can swim. The internal organs of snakes are elongated, which allows them to fit into the tubular body cavity.
Most species have an elongated right lung and no left lung.
All snakes eat other animals and are classified as carnivorous. Kingsnakes eat mice, lizards and other species of snakes. They are immune to the venom of our venomous snakes and will kill and consume them if given the opportunity. Although many of our harmless snakes will bite to defend themselves, their bite usually their bite produces nothing more than simple scratches. All venomous snakes native to Missouri are members of the pit viper family.