Some Snakes Can “Fly” Short Distances

Not in the same way as a bird or bat, but if you spotted one soaring overhead, you probably wouldn’t care about the distinction. “Flying snakes” are actually five species of tree-dwelling snakes that have evolved an extraordinary way to travel through the rainforest. Instead of slithering down one tree and back up another, they launch themselves from the canopy and glide through the air. 

While in flight, they contort their bodies to semi-control their direction, and glide more than 300 feet. Like other snakes, these reptiles are carnivorous, living off small rodents and lizards, and mildly venomous, though mostly harmless to humans. Still, the next time you’re trekking through the jungles of Indonesia, make sure you take the time to look up.