How do snakes move on land and in water?

Answer 1

I am a snake keeper and avid student of all things reptile. There is no known species of snake that can not swim. Many land snakes spend a lot of time in the water including the larger heavier varieties such as the Anaconda, Burmese and Reticulated Pythons, etc. Snakes are, by design, well suited to swimming. They are buoyant and move swiftly in the water using the same muscles they use to move across dry land. Even snakes that are originally from the desert areas take right to water. I know because I have a Desert Phase California King Snake that loves taking baths in deep tubs. Snakes are amazing creatures that are worth getting to know.

Answer 2

Snakes move on land by concertina movement, pushing against obstacles to propel themselves forward. In water, they use lateral undulation, making S-shaped curves along their body to push against the water and swim efficiently.

Answer 3

Well, sort of. There are sea snakes, they're not eels as they still need to surface to breathe. And while they would survive on land they're fairly dedicated sea creatures. Then there's the anaconda that also spend quite some time in the water and is outright sluggish on dry land. Most land snakes can swim if needed, and some will go hunting for frogs and suchlike in the water every now and then.

Answer 4

Most snakes are capable of staying underwater for periods of time. However, watersnakes and large river snakes (anacondas, reticulated pythons) both can stay underwater much longer than average. Since snakes are exothermic (get heat from outside their body) and can do anaerobic cellular respiration, their energy and therefore oxygen needs are much lower than average. This allows them to stay in warm tropical fresh or salt water for significant periods of time.

Answer 5

Yes; that is, they did both. The first animals to live exclusively on land, the amphibians, had offspring that became snakes and reptiles and dinosaurs. But some of the land-dwelling snakes eventually went back to the water. They still need to breathe air, but they spend the great majority of their life in the water.

Answer 6

they move in and out of the water by slithering and using their muscels.

Answer 7

Water snakes live up north in lakes somewhere where they can swim. Water snakes can not breathe underwater but can close their nostrills to keep out that water.

Answer 8

It depends on what type of snake you mean, there are snakes that spend their entire lives in the water and their are some that never go in the water.

Answer 9

Many snakes are compatible with water. Two that immediately come to mind are:

1. The Water Moccasin,

2. The Anaconda.

Answer 10

very few species of snake, (im talking maybe a handful) but yes there are sea snakes that are adapted to living in salt water most of which are found in warm water seas