Why Do Venomous Snakes Have Venom?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do venomous snakes have venom?

The Big Idea

Venomous snakes have venom because it helps them catch food and stay safe! Venom is a special kind of saliva with strong chemicals. Most snakes are not venomous, and snakes bite only when scared.

Special Saliva

Step one: special saliva. Venom is a special kind of saliva with strong chemicals. A venomous snake makes it in special glands inside its head.

Hollow Fangs

Step two: hollow fangs. Venomous snakes inject it with hollow fangs, which stops prey quickly. Venom also helps them start digesting their food.

Stay Safe

Step three: stay safe. Most snakes are not venomous, and snakes bite people only when they are scared. The safest plan is to never touch or tease any wild snake.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at staying safe! If you see a snake outdoors, don't go near it. Stay still for a moment. Then step back slowly. And tell a grown-up. Snakes just want to be left alone, so let them slither away.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Venomous snakes are found in many places, but most snakes are harmless. In Canada, a few places are home to rattlesnakes. Snakes help nature by keeping rodent numbers down, so they are good neighbors in the wild. Learn which snakes live near you from a field guide or nature center.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Practice a snake safety plan with a friend. If you see a snake outdoors, stay still, step back slowly, and tell a grown-up. Take turns acting it out. Then look up which snakes live near you.

Outro

Venom helps snakes eat, and we stay safe by giving them space. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!