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A spitting cobra wards off a threat.


WORDWISE


constrictor: a snake that kills animals by squeezing them until they can’t breathe any more


fang: a long, sharp tooth; snakes use their fangs to inject venom into other animals


scale: a form of thickened skin that contains keratin


venom: a poisonous liquid that some snakes inject into their prey


Protective Moves It is hard to imagine, but some animals prey on snakes. In fact, snakes can be easy prey, especially while they’re young. Large birds, wild pigs, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, mongooses, and even other snakes catch and eat snakes. To avoid being eaten, some snakes have


adapted movements to protect themselves. One snake actually moves its venom in a unique way. T e spitting cobra in Africa spits venom at a predator’s eyes. Some snakes make aggressive noises. T ey


huff , puff , or hiss loudly to scare away predators. T e North American eastern diamondback rattlesnake moves its tail. T e rattling sound sends many animals and people running. Still other snakes move in aggressive ways.


When faced with danger, the king cobra raises its body, fl ares its hood, and makes a fi erce hiss that sounds like a growling dog. Snakes have adapted to move in many


diff erent ways to survive. T ey move from place to place. T ey move to catch prey, and they move to protect themselves. And all this without the aid of arms and legs.


9


A king cobra rears up to scare a predator.


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