OKC Zoo @ Two: Education Connection

Lesson Theme: Slithery Record Holders We hope you enjoyed seeing our reticulated python sunbathe! We learned that reticulated pythons can stretch to over 20 or 25 feet long! Did you know that’s the longest of any snake in the world? Today, we thought we’d cover some records that different snakes from around the world hold.

• Most Venomous Snake: This record goes to the inland taipan from semi-arid regions in Australia. Scientists think that one bite from the inland taipan has enough venom to kill 100 men. Its venom is so potent because it is specially adapted to kill warm-blooded animals, affecting the nervous system, blood and muscles. • Heaviest Snake: The green anaconda that lives in the rivers and jungles of the Amazon rainforest in South America is the heaviest snake on record. Anacondas are constrictors which means they kill their prey by squeezing it. They are packed with strong muscles making them the heaviest snakes in the world weighing up to 550 pounds. • Smallest Snake: This record goes to the Barbados thread snake from the Caribbean island of Barbados. The thread snake is only about four inches long and feeds on termites and ant larvae. • Longest Fangs: This record goes to the master of camouflage, the Gaboon viper, from the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. The Gaboon viper’s fangs are two inches long–that’s about as long as an adult’s thumb! The form and color of its head resemble a leaf perfectly, allowing this ambush predator to wait patiently for its prey to come by. See if you can spot this species the next time you’re in the Zoo’s Herpetarium. Activity: Springy Snake Want to make your own slithery friend at home? It’s easy because these items can be found right in your home!

MATERIALS: Paper plate, crayons or markers and scissors INSTRUCTIONS: Step 1: Starting in the middle of your plate, make a rounded shape (for your snake’s head) and continue to spiral around in circles until you reach the edge of your plate. This can be a little tricky but the extra lines give character!

Step 2: Decorate your snake’s body! Do you want it to camouflage in your room or stand out for all to see?

Step 3: Time to cut your slithery friend out! Ta Da!

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