How Snakes See Heat in Darkness

Some snakes can ‘see’ heat—even in complete darkness. Pit vipers, like rattlesnakes

and pythons, have specialized organs called pit organs located between their eyes and nostrils.

These organs detect infrared radiation, which is the heat given off by warm objects.

The snake’s brain combines this heat information with normal vision, creating a detailed

thermal map of its surroundings. This allows snakes to hunt warm-blooded prey at night with

extreme accuracy.