Vipers
About
Vipers are a large family of snakes that come in different sizes, patterns and lifestyles on most continents around the world except Australia and Antarctica. The largest is the Gaboon viper, checking in at 6 feet long. Vipers have long, hinged fangs that fold back against the roof of their mouth when not in use. They use their fangs to bite their prey—a small animal—and their venom causes the prey to die so it can be eaten. Rattlesnakes are one kind of viper—some of which live in Indiana. Rattlesnakes and some other vipers have heat-sensing pits on their head, which are used to find prey. A rattlesnake’s tail rattle is a warning to animals that threaten it.
Vipers live often solitary lives in trees or on land and give birth to live young, though some lay eggs. Some vipers hibernate in the winter alone or with other individuals in rock crevices or other protected areas. Male vipers may compete for females through physical postures or wrestling.
Conservation
Many snakes are threatened with extinction because they were overhunted by people or from habitat loss. Snakes play important roles in ecosystems by keeping rodent populations under control. Be aware of snakes in your local area and give them their space in the wild. Always do your research before adopting a snake as a pet to be sure you can meet its needs for its whole life.
WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?
Meet the Vipers
Lives in dry, rocky areas of Aruba. Length: 3 feet. Pinkish tan diamonds. IUCN Red List status: Not Evaluated; may be fewer than 250 left in the wild
Lives in rocky areas of the southwestern U.S. and western Mexico. Length: 2 ft. Color: Alternating dark and greenish-blue stripes. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in wetlands or dry woodlands in the eastern portions of North America. Length: 2 feet. Color: Gray with dark spots. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in tropical forests in Central and South America. Length: 2 feet. Color: Many variations with a bright yellow or green tail and scales above the eyes. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in forests, stream edges and human habitats in the eastern U.S., including southern Indiana. Length: 3 feet. Color: Reddish-brown head with variably orangish body. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in rocky areas of Santa Catalina Island near Mexico. Length: 2 feet. Color: Light gray or brown with dark spots. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered because of isolated habitat and prey, trade, invasive predators
Lives in deserts of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Length: 2 feet. Color: Brown, gray or cream bands. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in forests and swampy areas of the eastern U.S., including southern Indiana. Length: 5 feet. Color: Alternating gray and black or gray and yellow bands. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Lives in semi-aquatic habitats of the southeastern U.S., including southern Indiana. Length: 4 feet. Color: Alternating black and brown or dark green bands with white inside their mouth. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern