You're probably familiar with the legend that St. Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland and into the sea, banishing them forever. But, in fact, snakes are not native to Ireland. Today we'll learn a little more about snakes in this edition of Pet Pointers.

Ireland isn't the only snake-free country. Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Ireland, New Zealand and the Falkland Islands also are without snakes. While there are an estimated 250 species of snakes in the United States and only four of them are venomous, the copperhead, coral snake, rattlesnake and water moccasin.

Snakes are reptiles and are cold-blooded. That means they need to be kept in a warm climate and cannot generate their own body heat. Captive bred snakes can live 10-20 years or more depending on its size and how well they are cared for.

All snakes are carnivores who swallow their food whole. Depending on the species, a snake's diets could include anything from insects, slugs and snails to small rodents, birds, eggs, frogs and even other snakes.

According to the American Veterinarian Association avma.org, there are now about 2.8 million reptile pets in American homes, including turtles, snakes and lizards.

Snakes have been scorned and reviled since the beginning of time. But the more you learn about them you understand how fascinating, resilient and beautiful these animals are.