Top 5 Snakes by Ryan Loveless

"His Cursed Prince" is my take on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Instead of a big hairy mammalian beast, Prince Frederick is cursed with snake-like features. I chose to do this because I wanted to get away from the Disney image, but also because I LOVE SNAKES. So, here are my top 5 snakes! Let me see pictures of your faves in the comments. 

1. The Garter Snake. A tiny snake, it averages 15-28 inches in length. This little friend has sentimental value for me because we used to find them in my great grandpa's yard. He lived near a patch of woods, so we had all sorts of wildlife visiting. 

2. The Boa Constrictor.  Lithe, strong, and a great--some would say too great--hugger, the boa constrictor comes in a handful of colors and designs. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/emerald-tree-boa-picture-id599410181

3. The Scarlet Kingsnake. This little buddy is non-venomous, but you've heard of it as the "red touching black, okay Jack" portion of the poem that keeps us aware of the difference between it and the poisonous coral snake. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/scarlet-kingsnake-lampropeltis-triangulum-elapsoides-southeastern-usa-picture-id128142714

4. The Indian Cobra. This is one of the most dangerous snakes in its territory from Pakistan throughout India and Sri Lanka to southeast Asia and Malaysia. While it eats only rodents, its venom can kill humans. Beware! https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/indian-cobra-naja-naja-picture-id89735995

5. Sir Hiss from Disney's Robin Hood. What kind of snake is he? Who knows!  According to Disney Wiki, his human-like teeth and their gap are modeled after his voice actor, Terry Thomas. In the dozens of times I've watched The Best Robin Hood Movie, Sir Hiss always makes me laugh. https://giphy.com/gifs/flying-snake-lHQUvH1LDQm4

Thanks for reading through my top 5 snakes today, and I hope you enjoy "His Cursed Prince", out on December 28th! --Ryan Loveless