Many people claim that snakes “jump”. The notion that normal snakes can leap is a complete fallacy. A snake cannot maneuver its entire body off the ground- not to jump on you or to strike at you. A snake can sling or throw its head towards you and mange to move about half of the length of its body. This is also the maximum distance that most snakes can beat. Think about the majority of snakebite victims. If they are walking or standing (which most are) they are most always struck on their legs lower the knee, ankles, and on the feet. When a snake hit from its common position, it is not going to be able to reach much higher than that. Other disproved theories are the notion that a snake must be in a coiled position in order to strike, or that they never miss when striking. This is completely wrong. While a snake can find a way to strike in any position, the fact is that at least the front third of the snake must be free from a coil in order to strike. A snake’s favorite strike position is the “S” curve. The snakes start out straight, pulls its posterior (tail end) up to form an “S” with its body. It then throws its head forward and straightens out the “S” shape with great speed. The longer the snake’s length of strike the less accurate the strike will be. In fact, venomous snakes often miss their target several times before hitting it. Rattlesnakes have particularly bad aim because they lift their heads and sideways and downwards.



An exception to snakes not jumping does exist. The (COBRA/DE/PARAGUAY) can jump a few inches in the air, actually clearing the ground as can the jumping viper of CA/Central America who holds a record for jumping 2 feet. The Chrysopelea or “flying snake” is a reptile that climbs tree using the rough ridge scales on its belly to climb trees vertically. Once in the tree it travels to the end of a long branch, bends into the shape of the letter “J”, and points itself towards its intended destination. It also uses the angle of its body control the incline of its glide path. Once it decides that calculations are correct and its destination is in view, it propels itself into the air. By sucking in its abdomen and flaring out its ribcage, it gives its body lift. It then “moves through the air by a motion called lateral undulation. Simply put is squiggle like the letter S all through the air to move its body forward. By staying parallel to the ground, it can be sure of a safe landing.

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Do snakes jump?