Do Snakes Lay Eggs or Give Live Birth?
Snakes are one of the most beloved yet feared creatures in the world. They are particularly interesting when it comes to birth and reproduction, as there is some confusion as to how they procreate. So, do snakes lay eggs or give live birth?
Live Birth
Many types of snakes, specifically those which are viviparous (give live birth) will see the reproductive process occur internally, and they eventually give birth to live young. This means that no eggs are involved in the process. Species that fit into this bracket include:
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- Coral Snakes
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- Sea Snakes
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- Pit Vipers
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- Boa Constrictors
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- Rattlesnakes
Lay Eggs
On the other hand, there are also species of snakes which lay eggs, much like most other animals. Once the female has fertilized the eggs during mating, she will lay them in places others will be unable to find them, such as hidden away in grass and mud. These species which lay eggs include:
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- Gopher Snakes
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- Anacondas
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- Hognose Snakes
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- Rough Green Snakes
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- Water Snakes
Depending on the species and the environmental temperature, the eggs can hatch anywhere from 10 days to 3 months after being laid.
So, to answer the question, the answer is: it depends on the species. While some snakes give live birth and never need to worry about eggs, others will lay eggs and must protect them until they are ready to hatch.
Now that you know the answer to the age-old question, “Do snakes lay eggs or give live birth?”, you can better appreciate and understand the reproductive process of snakes.
