Are Snakes Reptiles, Amphibians, or Mammals?

There is no denying that snakes are fascinating creatures, but many people are often confused as to what group of animals they fit into. With their complete lack of limbs and extremities, bizarre ways of eating, worm-like method of locomotion, odd smelling habits and unblinking gaze, they seem more like an unknown alien creature than any Earth-dweller that has already been identified and cataloged. Therefore, it isn’t really surprising that people peg them as being either reptiles, amphibians or mammals, but two of these assumptions are incorrect.

Mammals are fur-bearing animals that typically give live birth. Like with many things, there are exceptions. The platypus, which resembles a cross between a duck and a beaver, lays eggs and animals like the naked mole rat have no fur. However, all mammals possess mammary glands that produce milk to feed their young, hence their name.

If you think that a snake is an amphibian, you’re getting closer. Amphibians are cold-blooded, egg-laying animals that possess smooth skin and most often live in or near water sources. At the very least, they require a moist environment in order to survive. Their young usually go through an aquatic larval stage and don’t even remotely resemble their parents during this time. This group includes frogs, toads, salamanders and newts.

Snakes are reptiles. This group of animals is very similar to amphibians, except that they lay eggs on dry land and most of them possess scales. They live in wide variety of habitats ranging from swampy marshes to scorching deserts. They’re cold-blooded and rely on the sun to provide them with heat and energy. Their young are completely formed when they’re born and look like perfect miniatures of their parents. Other familiar animals in this group include turtles, tortoises, lizards and several species of legless lizards that resemble snakes.