An animal trainer and wildlife consultant with nearly three decades of experience, Josh Ruffell provides freelance services to television and film productions throughout Los Angeles, California. Josh Ruffell has particular expertise with snakes and other reptiles, dating back to his time as an animal keeper and manager at New England Reptile Distributors in Plaistow, New Hampshire.
Snake owners, animal handlers, and general reptile enthusiasts may wonder why and how often snakes shed their skin. All animals shed their skin, including humans. Snakes differ in that skin is not generally shed gradually in small flakes, but periodically, with a complete body of skin left behind. In fact, when seen in the wild, a recently shed snake skin can sometimes be mistaken for a living snake.
Ecdysis, the scientific term for a snake’s skin shedding, allows younger snakes to continue growing, as snake skin does not grow with the rest of the body. Even though growth dramatically slows as snakes mature, they will continue to shed throughout their lives. Shedding also assists with eradicating parasites attached to the old skin and with healing external injuries. Snakes use various tactics for shedding skin more efficiently, such as rubbing against a hard surface to create a tear in the old skin, aiding in the shedding process.
Although rates can vary among individuals and species, snakes typically undergo ecdysis between four and six times per year, depending on growth and other factors. Younger snakes, however, can shed as frequently as once per month. Snake owners should be aware that snakes are more vulnerable during ecdysis, partly due to poor eyesight during this time, and may demonstrate more aggressive behaviors prior to shedding skin.
Snake owners, animal handlers, and general reptile enthusiasts may wonder why and how often snakes shed their skin. All animals shed their skin, including humans. Snakes differ in that skin is not generally shed gradually in small flakes, but periodically, with a complete body of skin left behind. In fact, when seen in the wild, a recently shed snake skin can sometimes be mistaken for a living snake.
Ecdysis, the scientific term for a snake’s skin shedding, allows younger snakes to continue growing, as snake skin does not grow with the rest of the body. Even though growth dramatically slows as snakes mature, they will continue to shed throughout their lives. Shedding also assists with eradicating parasites attached to the old skin and with healing external injuries. Snakes use various tactics for shedding skin more efficiently, such as rubbing against a hard surface to create a tear in the old skin, aiding in the shedding process.
Although rates can vary among individuals and species, snakes typically undergo ecdysis between four and six times per year, depending on growth and other factors. Younger snakes, however, can shed as frequently as once per month. Snake owners should be aware that snakes are more vulnerable during ecdysis, partly due to poor eyesight during this time, and may demonstrate more aggressive behaviors prior to shedding skin.
