käärmeissä

Käärmeissä is a Finnish word referring to snakes. Snakes are legless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes. They are characterized by their elongated, scaled bodies. Most snakes are non-venomous and kill their prey by constriction or by swallowing them whole. A smaller number of species are venomous, possessing specialized glands that produce venom, which they inject through fangs.

Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting a wide range of environments from oceans to deserts. Their diet varies greatly depending on the species, but commonly includes rodents, birds, insects, and other reptiles. Reproduction in snakes is diverse; some lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. The gestation period and number of offspring also vary significantly among species.

Despite common fears, most snake species pose no threat to humans. Their behavior is generally oriented towards survival, hunting, and avoiding predators. Snakes play an important role in their ecosystems, helping to control populations of their prey. Conservation efforts are in place for many snake species that are threatened by habitat loss and human activities.