FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT VENOMOUS ANIMALS

There are more than 34,000 species of spiders, and all are technically venomous.

Only 20-30, however, pose a danger to humans, and it's usually only the female who causes serious harm.

In the U.S., approximately 500 people die from bee and wasp stings each year; only 10-15, including those who refuse treatment, die from snakebites.

Of the 2,700 species of snakes worldwide, only about 500 are venomous.

Venomous animals are immune to their own venom. If two rattlesnakes of the same species fight, neither will be harmed by the venom they inject.

Rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike.

The taipan of Australia is considered the most dangerous venomous snake in the world.

Australia is the only continent where venomous snake species outnumber the non-venomous ones.

Up to 70 percent of snakebites are "dry," meaning no venom is injected into the victim. A snake would rather frighten away a predator with a harmless strike than deplete its store of venom.

Baby rattlesnakes can be particularly dangerous because they have not shed their skin enough to develop a warning rattle. They produce venom before they are one full day old.

In the U.S., about 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year. Most recorded bites are from the Western diamondback rattlesnake.

Most venomous snakes replace their fangs every few weeks. Fangs wear out quickly, so up to six replacements are continually growing in each jaw.

An adult rattlesnake can rattle at a rate of 50 times per second.

A cobra can make itself appear larger by erecting a set of extra-long ribs into a "hood," thereby warding off enemies.

Sixty percent of all snakebites could be prevented by wearing boots that cover the ankle.

*From Tennessee Aquarium: http://www.tennis.org/NewsRoom/fascinatingfacts.htm