Vipers are characterized by a pair of long, hollow, venom-injecting fangs attached to movable bones of the upper jaw (the maxillaries) that are folded back in the mouth when not in use. Their scales are dark brown or black and their eyes have vertical pupils. Most vipers can be distinguished from each other by the color of their eyes, which vary in color from black to white to brown to gray.
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Where do viper snakes live?
The scientific name for the family of snakes is Viperidae. They are found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, and island groups in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. They have a long, slender body with a short tail. Their eyes are located on the top of their head, and they have two pairs of nostrils, one on each side.
Is a viper and a snake the same thing?
A viper is a member of the solenoglyph snakes. Frost, systematic herpetologists place these in the family Solenodontidae. “They’re not venomous,” . “They don’t have venom glands.
Are all viper snakes poisonous?
The vipers are found in most parts of the world, except for some isolated islands. They are venomous and have fangs that allow deep penetration, as well as the ability to inject venom. Vipers are the most common snake in the United States, but they are not the only ones. Some of these species, such as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), have been introduced to the U.S. and are now found throughout the country.
What happens if a viper bites you?
Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite. It can be nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In extreme cases, breathing may stop because of labored breathing. If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to rabies, contact your local or state health department.
How poisonous is a viper snake?
Some of the deadliest snakes are included in vipers. A viper has a stocky body, a wide head, and long fangs at the front of its mouth for injecting venom. The venom causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, which can lead to paralysis and death.
The most dangerous vipers are the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), which is the most venomous snake in North America.
Are vipers aggressive?
Most snakes are harmless to humans, and even dangerously venomous ones are unlikely to bite or inject much venom. But the saw-scaled viper is a rare exception. It’s aggressive and hard to spot. It’s common to parts of the world with a lot of snakes, such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
“It’s very rare to see a snake in the wild that’s this large,” said Dr. David R. Smith, a professor of entomology at the University of Florida.
