Snakes are specialized animals, with no legs, ears, or eyelids. Often the sex organs of a snake may protrude from the anal plate area and be confused with legs. Snakes use their forked tongue to smell, constantly flicking it to pick up any airborne particles and odors. If the snake detects food and is hungry, it will pursue the animal. Snake scales and skin help retain body moisture.
Snakes shed their skin and eye coverings together.
Soon after temperatures rise in the spring, snakes come out of hibernation and mate. Some snakes lay eggs in a damp protected area where they will hatch in about two months. Other snakes hatch eggs inside their bodies. Once the young have been hatched or born, parents do not care for their off-spring because they are able to take care of themselves. All snakes are predators, and many are fussy eaters.