Without any limbs to help them, people will often wonder how snakes can climb trees. Snakes can do the most amazing things. They can bury their body deep into the ground without any claws. Flying snakes have no wings, and water snakes can swim without fins. However, they can tweak their body in an inconspicuous way to help them navigate various terrains and landscapes.
How Can Snake Climb Trees without Limbs
Snakes can climb trees by flexing and bending their tubular bodies. You may think that they have a slippery belly that will be unsuitable for climbing any vertical surface. However, this feature is perfect for gliding on the coarse surface of the tree trunk and branches. If this part is rough, this will definitely cause friction that will slow down the ascension of the snake. The bark of the tree may range from smooth to uneven surfaces. Smooth surfaces will not give the snake any foothold that will be difficult for them to climb. Even some of the snakes that are adept in climbing, such as the western rat snake, will avoid climbing any smooth surface. Most of the snakes will rely on their muscles when climbing trees. They can exert force once their body has wrapped the trunk of the tree. This force will be enough to help them ascend and will keep them from falling; this movement is known as concertina locomotion. It expends too much energy, so snakes will only climb trees when it is necessary. Some snakes will depend upon their scales when climbing trees. A lot of snakes can alter the angle of their scales that will make them rougher. If they are moving on a smooth surface, the scales will not be able to grip the bark that will prevent them from climbing the tree.
Is it Difficult for the Snake to Climb Trees?
Snakes have unique ways of climbing vertical surfaces. As anyone who has tried climbing the rope during your gym class, it will never be easy. It requires a lot of energy, and it can put you at some risk. However, for some animals like the snake, climbing trees will be worth those risks. Being on top of the trees allows them to catch their prey and escape some of their predators. When climbing trees, they will be using their muscular force by wrapping their bodies on the tree trunk that will help them propel their body on a higher level.
How Do Snakes Ensure their Safety When Climbing Trees?
When looking for a tree to climb, the snake will first consider its safety. Some animals will grip on the trees with sufficient force that will prevent them from slipping back. The snakes will use more than the necessary force. Therefore, instead of ensuring that they will climb the trees faster, they prefer to decrease the probability of falling. Snakes have no limbs, and it is quite fascinating to know that it can climb trees. It shows how unique these animals are. Their particular way of using scales and muscles has helped them adapt to a range of surroundings.
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