Witness 8 Animals Moments Before They Give Birth

3. Believe it or not, snakes can be pregnant too.

Snakes, though not universally adored, are crucial to ecosystems globally. Depending on the type, female snakes might lay eggs, hold eggs until hatching, or birth live young. Pregnancy can span months to over a year, with offspring numbers varying greatly. Expectant snakes eat more often, their metabolism spiking. They frequently seek warmer spots to maintain the ideal temperature for their developing young.

During this phase, the mother grows more exposed, as her larger size hampers movement. She must weigh her hunger against the dangers of hunting while pregnant. For egg-laying kinds, she meticulously picks a nesting spot with optimal warmth, moisture, and safety from predators.

After birth or hatching, the young are typically on their own, relying on instinct to endure. Observing a baby snake emerge or a mother tend to her brood can captivate nature enthusiasts. The array of snake reproductive methods underscores the astonishing adaptations these reptiles have honed over eons.