How Do Snakes Move?

Snakes are generally slow-moving creatures but can move at speed in short bursts.

A snake has a pair of ribs attached to each vertebra by a ball and socket joint.  Having so many vertebrae, and the manner in which the ribs are attached, gives the snake its flexibility.

As snakes move forward each part of the body follows the same course as the body part directly in front giving the snake’s movement that effortless gliding manner.

The spine of a snake consists of between 180 and 400 vertebra.

A snake’s maximum continuous speed on level ground is in the order of 7 km per hour.

A snake moves forward by gripping the surface and has difficulty with movement on smooth surfaces.

Although their speed along the ground is generally slow, they have the ability to quickly pivot around any point of the body (especially if they are being held).

A snake does not have a chest bone.

All snakes can swim.

Resources used for this article:

An Introduction to Australian Snakes by Belinda Edwards

and the internet for images.