You can find snakes almost anywhere on the planet (except in the poles) and you can find them in pretty strange places as well.
Snakes have proven to be way more resilient and adaptable than we believed they could be, especially when working with no limbs, eyelids, or feathers.
This makes you wonder if snakes can actually move on smoother surfaces and if they can move around your house just as easily as they move around the jungle.
So, can snakes move on smooth surfaces? Snakes can not move on smooth surfaces because snakes need friction to move. Snakes move by contracting and expanding their muscles, but if the surface is smooth enough, the snake will only slither wildly without getting anywhere. This means snakes can’t move on the ice, glass, or similar surfaces.
In this article, I’m going to discuss each possible surface you are thinking of, but first, we need to learn more about how do snakes move.
Contents
How do snakes move?
Snakes move by contracting the muscles in their bodies which cause them to slide forward. There are basically four different ways snakes move, also known as the four locomotions of snakes.
Here are the four different ways snakes move:
Serpentine method
In this method, snakes move in a wavy line. This technique allows snakes to travel the greatest distance in the least time.
Concertina method
Snakes use this technique by expanding and contracting like an accordion. Snakes twist their bodies from side to side, much as a spring does, then move. This is the movement the snake will do to take down the prey.
Sidewinding
This is also known as lateral movement. The snake creates vertical waves and then moves laterally in this technique.
Rectilinear method
In this technique, the snake crawls or walks in a straight line with its body stretched out.
Most people believe that snakes will only slither forward or backward, but this is not true. Snakes will use one or a combination of the above methods to reach the spot they want to reach.
Don’t have time to read all of this? Here is an excellent YouTube video explaining and showing how snakes move:
Can snakes move on smooth surfaces?
Snakes can not move on smooth surfaces. If the snake can not have friction with the surface it’s moving on, it can’t really move anywhere. It can slither and it will move around randomly, but it will not be able to guide its movements. Snakes do not propel themselves forwards or in any direction without friction.
However, this doesn’t stop snakes from moving in some amazing ways. For example, did you know that snakes can move in any direction, including backward? You can learn how do snakes move backward here.
Can Snakes crawl on smooth walls?
Snakes can not crawl on smooth walls if they can’t have enough friction with the wall and some tight spots they can use to propel themselves upwards.
Some snakes are excellent climbers, but since snakes do not stick to surfaces in the way lizards, insects, and some rodents do, they can not crawl up a smooth wall.
You can learn when can snakes climb walls (and stairs) here.
Can Snakes Move on Tiles?
Snakes can move on tiles if they can have enough friction with the tile, but if the tiles are smooth enough or if there is water, soap, oil, or any liquid that prevents the friction on it, then the snake will not be able to move on your floor tiles easily.
Can Snakes Move on Carpets?
Snakes can move on carpets quite easily since they are able to contract and expand on the carpet and their scales can use friction to ‘grip’ the carpets, sort of.
Can Snakes Move on Grass?
Snakes love to move on grass and through it since it’s quite easy for them to move on grass and it provides them with cover while moving around.
This is why keeping your grass short is one of the best ways to prevent snakes from reaching your house or getting into your yard.
Can Snakes Move on Ice?
Snakes can move on ice using the same movements you do when skates on ice, just using their bodies instead of their skates. However, snakes can not move on very smooth ice (such as that of a frozen lake, for example) as they will not be able to have any friction on it.
Here is a video that explains the science of how snakes move on ice:
Can Snakes Move on Gravel?
Snakes can move on gravel but not easy since it shifts all the time which makes it tricky for the snake to guide its movement as precisely as it does on surfaces that don’t shift.
It’s recommended to use gravel to block any holes in your yard which does a good job of preventing the snakes from getting into your yard easily.
Can Snakes Move on Silk?
Snakes can not move on silk, at least not easily. Since snakes need friction to move, they can not move on silk sheets. The only way snakes will be able to move accurately on silk is if the sides of the silk sheets were fixed, in which case the silk wouldn’t be shifting and the snake will be able to move on the sheets, but not easily.
Can Snakes Move on Concrete?
Snakes can move on concrete, but interestingly enough, not as easy as they can move on other surfaces. You can see this in the way snakes have a difficult time moving
Can Snakes Move on Sand?
Snakes can move on sand, but it’s a bit more difficult than when they move on other surfaces. Snakes will usually ‘crawl’ in the sand which makes it a lot harder for them to move around compared to surfaces with more friction.
Can Snakes Move on Wood?
Snakes love to move on wood as it’s one of the easiest surfaces for them to move on. Snakes will use their scales to grip onto the wood and propel themselves forwards or in any direction they want.
This is why it’s important to never stack your firewood against the house as snakes will love to move on the stacked firewood and get into your house that way.
Can Snakes Move on Glass?
Snakes can not move on glass as it does not provide them with enough friction like other surfaces do. If a snake tried to move on glass, it would slip and fall quite easily.
This is why you should never leave your windows open if there’s a chance a snake could get into your house that way.
Can Snakes Move on Metal?
Snakes can move on metal, but it’s not as easy as when they move on other surfaces. Snakes will usually crawl on top of the metal instead of slithering like they do on other surfaces which makes it a bit more difficult for them to move around.
Conclusion
While snakes can not move on smooth surfaces, at least not without great difficulty (which they would prefer not to do as they are very energy-efficient creatures), there are still many surfaces that snakes can move on quite easily. If you’re worried about snakes in your yard or around your house, make sure to keep an eye out for these surfaces and take the necessary precautions to prevent them from getting in.
Helpful Resources
How do Snakes move – Experts unlock the mechanics of how snakes move
If you like this article, please share it!
