Like many other types of animals, snakes can also become endangered. This status is not merely a possibility. For many of these spineless reptiles, it has become a reality. The San Francisco garter snake, the Cyprus grass snake, and the desert horned viper are examples of endangered snakes. An interesting thing to note about an endangered status, however, is that it is not always consistent. One government or organization may recognize an animal as endangered while another does not.
Many people consider the San Francisco garter to be the most beautiful snake in its family. This snake has a series of colored stripes. The head usually appears as an off red or reddish-orange. It also has a green dorsal stripe with a black border. This border is then bordered by a red stripe. Its existence is believed to be primarily limited to San Mateo County in California.
As its name suggests, the desert horned viper prefers a stony desert. These endangered snakes have one horn above each eye. Their bodies are generally a shade of tan that is similar to the stones found in a desert in North Africa or Israel, where the snake can be found. It also has darker brown spots dispersed over its body. These colors act as a camouflage mechanism for the snakes, which tend to lunge forth to catch their prey. Although they are hunters and they are poisonous snakes, with regards to humans, they are not considered to be aggressive.
Australia’s broad-headed snake is one whose endangered status varies. On the national and international level the snake’s existence is considered vulnerable. In New South Wales, however, they are considered endangered snakes. This snake’s existence is believed to be limited to an area known as the Sydney Basin. These reptiles are black with yellow scales that form intricate patterns. When these snakes feel threatened, their heads expand.
In Connecticut, the timber rattlesnake is endangered. It is one of the two venomous snakes found in the state. Although these snakes tend to have long lives, they reproduce slowly and in small numbers. There are two color variations of these reptiles in Connecticut. The darker species has black and dark brown patterns with small areas of yellow between. The lighter species appears to have a yellow or brown background that is decorated with black or brown rings.
It was once believed that the Cyprus grass snake, also called the Cyprus water snake, was extinct, but a small population was discovered in 1992. The population remains small enough that the reptile is still on the list of endangered snakes. These non-venomous snakes, which can vary in color, spend a great deal of time in the water and often play dead when they feel threatened.