A question I have been asked (reptile related)

[Damian Lettoof <>]

Hey all,

As a snake ecologist I can confirm snake can reverse, to a certain extent. As Shorty and Martin suggested really tight holes, or surfaces which may snag their ventral scales can prevent from doing so. But in their normal environment they definitely go backwards! They're very flexible and capable of micromoving their muscles all around their bodies so to go backwards they simply push their muscles in the opposite direction, and if need be they can slightly lift the outside edge of their ventral scales over what may snag it. It's a slow movement but possible. Also if any rear part of their bodies can grab hold of something they can use it as an anchor to pull them backwards.

Hope that helps 😊

Cheers, 

DAMIAN LETTOOF | Wildlife Ecologist

56 Irvine St
Watson | ACT | 2780 | Australia

+61 401 638 351

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From: Martin Butterfield <>
Sent: Sunday, 17 December 2017 4:20:26 PM
To: John Leonard
Cc: COG List
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] A question I have been asked (reptile related)

 

I suspect the answer would depend on just how tight the hole is.  

Certainly they get into big trouble if they try to reverse on bird netting as the scales don't let them reverse.  I suspect in a really tight hole they could get stuck in the same way. 

Martin Butterfield

http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/

On 17 December 2017 at 16:08, John Leonard <> wrote:

I have an undeserved reputation at work as a natural history expert. Here's one I have been asked: can a snake reverse, that is if it goes down a narrow hole where it can't turn round, can it come out backwards?

John Leonard


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