Gerald Holt, age 9, of Butte, Montana, for his question

What is a pit viper?

Some 2,.00 different snakes and serpents have already been named and classified. For convenience sake, the snake world has been divided into about twelve different families. The members of each family are alike enough to be cousins. One of these families is made up of pit vipers. And no, they are not named because they dwell in pits. Among them are rattlesnakes, the water moccasins, copper¬heads and bushmasters    the most deadly creatures native to the Americas.

The pit viper is named for a shallow dent, or pit, on either side of the head between eye and nostril. For a long time the purpose of these two pits was a mystery to the naturalists. Careful examination showed them to be highly complex organs within the snake's head. In each, two cavities are separated by a fine skin. And for a long time the pits were thought to be special hearing organs, Later it was proved that rattlers and such hear only a little better than snakes without pits    which is hardly at all.

Now, just a minute, before you remind Andy of a cobra dancing to an Indian flute. When, and if, you ever see this tricky notice that the fluter sways from side to side as he plays. The cobra follows the swaying    not the music, which is only in the act for your amusement.

So let’s return to the deadly vipers and their pits. For a time some people wondered if these strange organs gave the snake a mysterious sixth sense. Then it was discovered that the complex organs can tell the difference between hot and cold objects passed in front of their owner's heads. This gave a clue as to how and when the deadly viper knows to strike.

The snake's eyesight is good for short distances only. The creature has practically no intelligence when it comes to figuring things out. Its sense of smell is keen and accurate. Its tongue has an accurate sense of touch as well as being able to help their nose with the smelling.

The pit organ gives its owner an extra sense indeed. It can tell at a distance whether an object is a warm blooded animal, fit for food, or merely a useless stone. It can pinpoint the distance and direction of a warm blooded creature maybe you    and inform its owner just where to strike the deadly fangs.

Once again, Andy reminds you to learn all you can about our poisonous snakes. As in all matters of safety, the best protection is knowledge and good sense in advance of trouble. Use museums, zoos and picture books till you can recognize all the deadly vipers, Then you will have time to enjoy a far, far greater number of snakes    all those that are harmless and beneficial to us.