Snake, Pit Viper

Pit vipers are highly venomous snakes. There are many varieties ranging in size from 2' to 12' at adulthood; the statistics here are for an "average" variety which reaches about 9' in length. Giant-sized pit vipers are much bigger, and range from 14' to 20' in length at adulthood. Those bitten by a pit viper must save vs. Poison or die. Pit vipers are named for the thermally sensitive "pits" between their eyes and nostrils. These are used to detect birds, mammals, and lizards, the natural prey of these snakes. Even though lizards are cold-blooded, pit vipers can still sense them because their temperature is often slightly higher or lower than their surroundings. Rattlesnakes are a variety of pit viper; in addition to the details given here, a rattlesnake has a rattle (from which it gets its name) at the end of its tail. The rattle is used to warn away larger creatures.