If you cross paths with an unknown species of snake, you may wonder if it’s poisonous or venomous—or if there’s even a difference. The truth is “venomous” and “poisonous” are unique concepts, and describe specific ways that animals wield their chemical weaponry.
Venomous and poisonous animals both use toxins—substances that cause substantial, harmful physiological effects at small doses—to defend themselves or subdue prey.
The open ocean is one of the most terrifying and unforgiving habitats on the planet. It is a brutal home, one that has shaped many of its inhabitants into formidable creatures. With so many dangerous animals lurking beneath the waves, a sort of biological arms race is in effect between predators and prey. After millions of years of evolution, there are now dozens of species of poisonous fish, sea snakes, and other ocean life that could seriously ruin a scuba diving vacation.
Despite the fear they put in many people, snakes are actually under threat in their own natural environment. Between the pressures caused by invasive species and the gradual destruction of their habitats, it’s no wonder that there are a number of snakes that are threatened with extinction.
Meet the rarest snakes in the world. These animals are not only mysterious and dangerous, some species are also very strange.
