GalapaGo!
GalapaGo!
Animated Character (littlefoot) talking (stub)

Meet Steve the Galápagos Racer Snake!

Hi! I'm Bobo! Understanding removes fear!

Calm and reassuring, helps overcome fears of snakes.

12 minutes
Interactive Lesson
Difficulty: 2/3
Animated Character (littlefoot) silent (stub)
Learning with Bobo
Main Content

Hello, brave explorers! I'm Littlefoot, and I want you to meet Steve the Galápagos Racer Snake - the fastest and most athletic reptile on the islands! Don't worry, Steve is completely harmless to humans! 🐍


Steve's Lightning Speed

Steve is called a "racer" for good reason - he's incredibly fast! When he needs to catch prey or escape danger, he can slither faster than you can run! His streamlined body and strong muscles make him the speed champion of Galápagos reptiles. He's like a living lightning bolt!


Steve's Hunting Skills

Steve is an expert hunter with amazing techniques:

He can climb trees and rocks with ease
His excellent eyesight spots tiny movements from far away
He's patient and waits perfectly still until prey comes close
He strikes with lightning speed to catch his meal
He's an excellent swimmer too!

Steve's Favorite Foods

Steve has a varied menu of small prey:

Lava lizards (his favorite snack!)
Small birds and their eggs
Young marine iguanas
Insects and beetles
Sometimes small crabs near the shore

He's not venomous - he just grabs his prey and swallows it whole!


Steve's Island Variations

Different islands have slightly different Steve populations! There are several subspecies of Galápagos racers, each adapted to their specific island:

Some are more brownish to match volcanic rocks
Others are more grayish to blend with different terrain
Sizes vary between islands
Each has slightly different hunting preferences

Conservation Status

The Galápagos Racer Snake (Pseudalsophis species) includes several species with varying conservation statuses. Most populations are considered **LEAST CONCERN** with stable numbers across multiple islands. However, some island-specific populations face pressure from introduced species and habitat changes. Their role as important predators helps control lizard and small bird populations, making them essential to island ecosystems.


Ready to race with Steve?

💡
Amazing Facts!
Fun Facts
  • Littlefoot says: 'Steve is completely harmless to humans - no venom, just speed!'
  • Littlefoot says: 'Steve can climb trees almost as well as he can slither on the ground!'
Hands-On Activities
Activities

Snake Movement Study

Learn about different ways snakes move and practice serpentine movements!

Materials needed:
  • Rope or ribbon
  • Open space
  • Movement cards

Duration: 15 minutes

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Test Your Knowledge
Quiz

Ready to test what you've learned? I have 5 questions for you!

Sources & Learning More

Galápagos Conservancy

Scientific research and conservation data

Visit Source

Charles Darwin Foundation

Research and species information

Learn More