A prehensile (grasping) tail helps this slender snake climb through the trees, where its coloration blends with the foliage. While true vipers are slow-moving ground-dwellers that lie in wait for their prey, pitvipers are active hunters. The sensory pits between their eyes and nostrils detect the heat of warm-blooded prey. Both vipers and pitvipers have long fangs that fold out of the way until needed.

Did You Know?

This snake is venomous.