Carl H. Ernst is a Distinguished Professor of Biology at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He has written six books, including the award-winning Turtles of the World (Smithsonian Institution Press, 1989) and is coauthor of Snakes in Question (Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996).

Evelyn M. Ernst is director of information for the National Science Resource Center in Washington, D.C.

World-renowned snake expert Carl Ernst and coauthor Evelyn Ernst reveal the unusual lifestyles of these fascinating creatures, describing every known aspect of each of the 131 species found in the United States and Canada. From the venomous rattlers to the docile garter snakes, each species is shown to display a unique set of behaviors and adaptations to its environment. Much more than simply a field guide, this monumental reference begins with an introduction to snake biology and evolution, which is followed by an identification guide and key to the North American species. The heart of the book is the species accounts which, accompanied by color photographs, provide detailed information on identifying features, geographic variation, known fossils, current distribution, habitat type, behavior, reproduction, growth, diet, and predators. Completing the book is a glossary of terms and a comprehensive reference section. No other book provides as thorough or as reliable coverage.