Snakes of the World of Reptiles

Snakes of Georgia and the Southeast

Snakes of the World  

The World of Reptiles features snakes from the rainforests of Africa, the scrub forests of Australia, the jungles of Central and South America and the forests and wetlands of Asia. Read more for just a few highlights from the Zoo’s collection; visit in person to fully appreciate the uniqueness and diversity of the world’s amazing snakes!

Aruba Island rattlesnake – venomous

Resort development on one of the planet’s most beautiful islands is the primary threat to one of the rarest species in the Caribbean. Found only on Aruba in the West Indies, these critically endangered snakes may number fewer than 250 in the wild. Zoo Atlanta participates in the Aruba Island Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP) to help manage and sustain a rapidly vanishing species. Newborn Aruba Island rattlesnakes are solid blue, pink or tan, developing their distinctive, pastel-patterned adult skins as they mature. Prey includes lizards, amphibians and small birds and mammals.

Black mamba – venomous

One of the world’s deadliest snake species, the legendary black mamba is native to southern and eastern parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Averaging seven to nine feet in length, black mambas are excellent climbers and are capable of speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. Preferred prey animals are small mammals and birds. These reclusive snakes tend to avoid humans, but they are known to become aggressive if disturbed. Their venom is a potent neurotoxin, and bites can be fatal without immediate medical attention.

Bushmaster – venomous

The world’s largest pit viper species and the largest venomous snakes in the New World, bushmasters are native to the forests of Central and South America. Distinguished by diamond-shaped heads, upturned snouts and roughly-textured brown to pink bodies patterned with dark markings, bushmasters can grow to over six feet in length. The species preys on small mammals, and, like most snakes, would rather avoid humans. Because surprise encounters with man tend to occur in remote areas without accessible medical facilities, bushmaster bites can be fatal.

Carpet python

Carpet pythons are a diverse group of subspecies found in scrub forests and rainforests in Australia and parts of New Guinea. These snakes are not venomous, but they do possess over 100 sharp, curved teeth used for securing prey while their slender, muscular bodies coil into a suffocating grip. Carpet pythons spend much of their time in trees, often preying on arboreal marsupials, birds and other small mammals.

Green anaconda

Stealthily patrolling the Amazon River and the waters of the South American tropics, green anacondas have been known to exceed 20 feet in length! The species is mostly aquatic; eyes and nostrils on top of the head permit the snakes to see and breathe while partially submerged. Green anacondas will eat practically anything they are capable of swallowing, including wild pigs, deer and small crocodilians. Animals in or near the water are usually taken by surprise and drowned or suffocated in the snake’s grip. Because of its immense size, anacondas are feared and often killed; education is vital to protecting this predator in its native habitat.

King cobra – venomous

The revered king cobra figures prominently in the myths and legends of its native India, Indonesia, southern China and the Philippines. The size, temperament and distinctive hooded head make the species unmistakable, but like most of their counterparts, king cobras would rather flee than attack humans. If threatened, however, they can become extremely aggressive and will pursue intruders with intimidating endurance. The king cobra’s powerful venom is capable of inducing heart attack and respiratory failure, and bites can be fatal if not treated immediately. In the wild, king cobras feed exclusively on other snakes; the Zoo’s king cobra has adapted to a special diet composed of other meat products.

Reticulated python

Giants of the rainforests of Southeast Asia, reticulated pythons can exceed 20 feet in length and may weigh over 300 pounds! Ambush predators that often wait in trees for the approach of prey, these constrictors are capable of killing animals as large as deer. Like anacondas, reticulated pythons can go weeks and even months without feeding, and powerfully acidic digestive juices allow them to consume even seemingly indigestible animal parts, including bones and antlers. The species is not currently classified as endangered, but populations are dwindling due to overhunting for skins and traditional Asian medicines.

Tentacled snake

The unusual tentacled snake is unique among snake species for its “tentacles,” or thin projections protruding from the snout. Native to freshwater shallows in Southeast Asia, tentacled snakes are almost entirely aquatic, moving only occasionally and clumsily on land. Well-camouflaged ambush predators that wait under vegetation for unsuspecting prey, tentacled snakes are only mildly venomous. Their venom is capable of immobilizing small fish but poses little threat to larger animals.