What Do Snakes Look Like? - PetMD

By Cheryl Lock

While certain distinctive characteristics of a snake’s anatomy are sure to give it away — long, limbless bodies, short tails and sharp jaws, to name a few — there are many other things about a snake that even an animal enthusiast might not readily know. For example, did you know that snakes are carnivorous reptiles, or that they lack both eyelids and external ears?

If you’re considering becoming a snake owner, whether or not you have the time, space and money to properly take care of this animal should be top on the list of questions to ask yourself before diving into ownership. “A snake is just like any other pet — it needs to go to the vet, get proper nutrition, it needs space, the right environment and exercise,” said Mike Wines, a herpetologist and lead reptile keeper at the Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey. “Plus, the initial set-up can be very expensive and states have different laws on which snakes people can own. It’s best to check these laws, and with the landlord, before buying.”

Another question to consider is where the snake came from. “Was it captive bred — which is preferable — or wild caught,” says Wines. “Never buy a wild caught snake, or take one from the wild to make a pet. Leave wild ones to fill the niche they need to fill.” Remember, just because you bought the snake from a breeder, pet store or trade show, it does mean that the animal was captive bred. In general, captive bred snakes are easier to handle and have less health issues.

While snakes vary widely in both size and color, other characteristics about the animal may remain relatively equal. Once you’ve done your research and decided you’re ready to take home a snake, here are six striking characteristics that you can expect from your new slithery, scaly friend.

1. Snakes Are Legless

Snakes come in many body shapes, from the size of a toothpick to almost 30-feet long, and, although none of them have legs, that’s not what makes them snakes. “There are lizards that have no legs, too,” says Wines. “The difference is that snakes have no eyelids or external ears.”

The snake’s lack of limbs actually works to its benefit in the wild, according to Leo Spinner, herpetologist and founder and owner of The Spotted Turtle Herpetological Institute. “A snake’s legless body enables it to exist in situations that may be difficult for animals possessing limbs,” he said. “A limbless body enables a snake to make a quick getaway, reducing friction and allowing the snake to squeeze into spaces that otherwise may not be accessible.”

Some scientists believe that snakes may have lost their legs over time and were formerly designed like their close cousins, the lizards, Spinner said. “This isn’t widely accepted in the scientific community, though, because there is no fossil record showing snakes from the past with anything more than what they have now,” he added.