World Snake Day!

Like all reptiles, snakes are vertebrates. They're not flexible because they lack bones, it's quite the opposite. Snakes have hundreds of bones, with some species boasting up to 300 vertebrae compared to the 33 found in a human spine. Most of these vertebrae are paired with ribs, creating a highly flexible structure that supports an extraordinary range of motion.

Snakes move in several incredible ways, thanks to their skeletal and muscular design. Unlike mammals, snakes do not have a sternum (breastbone), which allows their ribs to move freely. This mobility aids in different forms of locomotion:

Rectilinear Movement

Used by large-bodied snakes like the Gaboon viper, this method involves muscles shifting the ribs in a wave-like motion, with the help of belly scales called scutes. It’s slow but powerful, perfect for stealth.

Serpentine Movement

The most iconic form of snake movement, involving side-to-side body undulations. By pushing off surfaces like rocks or uneven terrain, snakes like the black mamba can reach speeds up to 12 mph.

Sidewinding

Used by desert-dwellers like the sidewinder rattlesnake, this technique minimizes contact with hot sand. The snake touches the ground at only three points at a time, creating a distinctive pattern and achieving speeds of nearly 18 mph.

Concertina Movement

Especially helpful for climbing and navigating tight spaces, this method involves the snake anchoring part of its body, stretching forward, and then pulling the rest along, much like the movement of a concertina or accordion. Carpet pythons, for instance, use this technique to climb tree trunks with no low branches.

One of the main reasons people fear snakes is their venom. While venomous snakes use their potent bites primarily to hunt prey like mice, it also serves as a powerful defense mechanism. However, only about 600 of the 4,170 known snake species are considered dangerous to humans. Most venomous snakes are shy and prefer to avoid confrontation, only biting when they feel threatened.

Unfortunately, fear and misunderstanding lead many to believe all snakes are dangerous, resulting in unnecessary killings. While caution is wise, education is key to coexistence.

Snakes are vital to maintaining balance in their ecosystems. As predators, they help control populations of rodents, birds, and even other reptiles. In turn, snakes themselves are prey for animals like hawks, owls, large fish, and mammals. Their unique body structure allows them to hunt in tight spaces and areas where other predators cannot reach.

Different species have evolved to specialize in various types of prey. Some eat rodents and birds, while others, like the king cobra, the world's longest venomous snake, feeds almost exclusively on other snakes. The thirst snake, for example, has adapted to eating snails. However, all snakes share one key trait. They are carnivores that swallow their prey whole. Their backward-curving teeth are specially adapted to grip and guide food smoothly down their throats.