Reptile & Amphibian Forums

as far as ive seen and heard O.Hannah is the smartest snake in the world.

are there any contenders? venomus and non venomous

Words such as "smart" or "intelligent" are difficult to gauge for snakes. Since you didn't make it clear what you consider to be a "smart" snake I'll give my opinion. King cobras are extremely aware of their surroundings, they are alert, inquisitive of every new scent, bold against any intruders, mysterious despite being the longest venomous snake on earth, gentle with their mates (to a degree), build their own nests, and yet can bond to its keeper depending on the amount of interaction that takes place. If you consider that to be intelligent, then, the king cobra is a very intelligent snake. Mambas are very similar as are many other elapids. Then you look at the Gaboon Viper; the venomous ground slug of the snake world. They appear to be aloof, sluggish, and non responsive most of the time. BUT, they are designed to ambush and to sit patiently and wait. When prey comes, they rarely miss their target and hit with frightening force. Is this intelligent? I don't know but this is one successful predator in the wild.

When I study northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) foraging for food, nothing appears to be more intelligent than this. They will periscope out of the water looking for moving prey. They will seek out large submerged rock piles in the water searching for their favorite food (sculpin) and use tactical maneuvers to trap them in various nooks and crannies under the water. They are ornery, active, alert. Does that make them intelligent?

Once you determine the criteria for a "smart" snake you will realize that just about every snake on earth is one "smart" critter....from an adaptive and survivalistic standpoint.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>as far as ive seen and heard O.Hannah is the smartest snake in the world.
>>
>>are there any contenders? venomus and non venomous
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

All things considered, I'm pretty sure I don't want a King bonded to me!!! Might prove a wee bit dangerous....hehehehe

yeah, that didn't come out quite right did it? We have one of the neatest kings on earth. Hand raised from a baby by Dr. Earl Turner of Texas, he was gracious enough to put the animal in my care and having spent a lot of time with this this animal, I am convinced that he can differentiate me from other people; there's a heightened level of awareness when I am around compared to others. He is extremely gentle but I still treat him with the utmost of respect. I got this animal used to my scent by placing sweaty clothes (yes, I do work out from time to time) in his cage so he got used to me - and he did. Some folks will think I'm off my rocker but this is just one of those very unique animals.

>>All things considered, I'm pretty sure I don't want a King bonded to me!!! Might prove a wee bit dangerous....hehehehe
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

My male king is the same way. He isn't bothered by me walking around his cage but he is noticably agitated when it's someone else!
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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

My pick for "most" intelligent snake would have to be a coachwhip.
Years ago while on a snake hunting trip with the late John Werler, we came across a coachwhip, which we caught, and after it settled down, John pulled it out of the bag and said "Randal,I will charm this snake"

Laughing while he pulled the snake out, he proceeded to put the snake on the ground, (while palming the snakes head) the coachwhip froze, and John gently lifted it's head and raised the snake up about 1/3rd of it's body length, and the snake "froze" and stayed that way for a good ten minutes!
I couldn't believe it!
He then explained, that Masticophis like Coluber constrictor "hunt" that way while in tall grass, and were keenly aware of movements in the tall grass. Thus, a hunting strategy that I believe makes them the most "intelligent" snake!
And, if John Werler said it, then I believe it!

They employ this "freeze" method, while searching for prey.
I have seen racers in the wild use this scenario.

Over the years, I have played this "trick" (snake-charming) with new arrival keepers at the zoo and won lot's of bets! LOL!

Randal

My gray banded kingsnake is always very inquisitive and aware of her surroundings. I would say gray banded kings are pretty intelligent snakes.