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How do snakes move?

Snakes are some of the most peculiar looking animals you will ever see. They have no arms or legs; in fact have no appendages to speak of, meaning that they have to find some rather exotic and unusual ways to be able to get around. Clearly a snake is not a sedentary animal, so it must have some means of transportation to be able to get itself from point A to point B. It is the amazing method that a snake is able to use that adds to how spectacular these animals truly are.



There are really four different ways that a snake is able to get around. It is an impressive means that gives them propulsion, often quite quickly.

The Serpentine Method: in this means of motion, the snakes push off of the surface of any other object that is around them. This gives them a kind of wavy type of motion where they are pushing their bodies off of the object above the ground on to the next spot where they continue the process. If you see a spot where there are gaps between the snake’s movements, then you are probably looking at the serpentine method.

The Concertina Method: this method is a lot more difficult for a snake. However, when a snake is in a very tight space this is his preferred method to use to get around. The snake races it’s and portion and then begins to push it forward extending the front part of its body. When the front portion reaches a point, and then pulls the back portion forward where the process continues.

The Sidewinding Method: this is the means that most people are familiar with. The snake basically moves side to side propelling itself forward in kind of a zigzag motion. This becomes its primary means to get around when it is on a very slippery or loose kind of surface, such as you would find on sand, mud, glass, or running water like in a gutter. This gives the snake firms grasp on the surface so that is able to propel itself without losing its grip on the ground.

The Rectilinear Method: the last of these methods is a very methodical kind of propulsion. This process is done in a very slow, straight movement that helps the snake to move forward. This allows the snake to move forward in a very methodical way by using the white scales that are found on the belly of the reptile. These scales grip the ground beneath it, while pushing forward with the other scales on its belly this gives it a very clever and covert means to approach prey without drawing any of their attention because of rapid movements. Read more: Snake Control, Venomous Snakes of Florida, How to Identify Snakes, How to Kill Snakes.


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