Some snakes can swallow animals almost as large as they are. The record books indicate that an African Rock Python, weighing no more than 140 pounds, swallowed an animal that weighed more than 130 pounds. The King Cobra is the largest of all the venomous snakes, growing to a length of 12 to 14 feet, with a record size of over 18 feet recorded. The Gaboon Viper has the longest fangs of any venomous snake-as much as two inches long. Snakes, like other reptiles, are cold blooded which means the temperature of their bodies depends on the temperature of the air.
Some snakes give birth to live young, while others lay eggs from which the young hatch later.
Female snakes leave scent trails to help males find them. Snakes benefit mankind by eating rats and crop-destroying pests. The staff of Asklepios, the ancient Greek god of healing, is the symbol of doctors. The snake wrapped around the staff stands for good health and long life. Quetzalcoatl, the snake god of the Aztecs of ancient Mexico, was the highest of all their gods.