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Homescience

7 snakes that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs

While most snakes lay eggs, some fascinating species give birth to live young. Discover these rare reptiles that bypass eggs, revealing nature’s surprising twists in snake reproduction and survival strategies.

Sheetal Kumari | September 15, 2025 / 17:46 IST
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All snakes give birth to eggs except for some remarkable species that have live births. These snakes employ a special reproductive strategy, giving their offspring a head start in life. (Image: Canva)
All snakes give birth to eggs except for some remarkable species that have live births. These snakes employ a special reproductive strategy, giving their offspring a head start in life. (Image: Canva)
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Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus): The green anaconda, a giant snake from around the world, produces live offspring. Males give birth to as many as dozens of fully developed offspring anacondas in tropical South America. (Image: Canva)
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus): The green anaconda, a giant snake from around the world, produces live offspring. Males give birth to as many as dozens of fully developed offspring anacondas in tropical South America. (Image: Canva)
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Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii): Recognised for its striking looks, the eyelash viper is a live-born snake. This venomous serpent is a small, rainforest-dwelling animal that is native to Central and South America. (Image: Canva)
Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii): Recognised for its striking looks, the eyelash viper is a live-born snake. This venomous serpent is a small, rainforest-dwelling animal that is native to Central and South America. (Image: Canva)
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Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus): Australia is home to the death adder, which gives birth to live young instead of eggs. Its ambush behaviour is a perfect match for its way of giving birth. (Image: Canva)
Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus): Australia is home to the death adder, which gives birth to live young instead of eggs. Its ambush behaviour is a perfect match for its way of giving birth. (Image: Canva)
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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox): This popular North American rattlesnake species gives live birth. Young snakes are born fully active, ready to go out and hunt right away. (Image: Canva)
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox): This popular North American rattlesnake species gives live birth. Young snakes are born fully active, ready to go out and hunt right away. (Image: Canva)
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Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis): The Eastern Garter Snake is ubiquitous in North America. It reproduces via live young in grasslands and marshes, offering better survival opportunities for the young. (Image: Canva)
Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis): The Eastern Garter Snake is ubiquitous in North America. It reproduces via live young in grasslands and marshes, offering better survival opportunities for the young. (Image: Canva)
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Common Boa Constrictor: The boa constrictor, which is in Central and South America, gives live birth. These snakes are different from egg-laying snakes, as their babies are born ready to take care of themselves. (Image: Canva)
Common Boa Constrictor: The boa constrictor, which is in Central and South America, gives live birth. These snakes are different from egg-laying snakes, as their babies are born ready to take care of themselves. (Image: Canva)
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Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus): The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake inhabits oceans and gives live birth. It never requires land, as babies are delivered right into the sea. (Image: Canva)
Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus): The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake inhabits oceans and gives live birth. It never requires land, as babies are delivered right into the sea. (Image: Canva)

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