Snakes have long fascinated humans with their unique physical characteristics and abilities to swiftly climb, squeeze into tight spaces, and even seemingly fly from trees. A question that often comes up is: can snakes get hurt if they fall from heights?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Most snakes are remarkably resilient to falls and do not sustain major injuries, thanks to their light weight, muscle structure, and landing reflexes. However, extremely high falls or awkward landings can still harm them.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will comprehensively explore whether snakes take fall damage by examining key factors like a snake’s anatomy, how far they can fall safely, how they land, if injury is possible, and fascinating real stories of snakes surviving high falls.
Key Physical Snake Attributes That Protect Against Falls
Light, Flexible Bones
Snakes have light and flexible bones that help cushion impacts when they fall from heights. Their vertebrae are connected by flexible ligaments which allow the spine to bend and absorb shocks without breaking (1).
The ribs are also not fused to the spine which allows them to shift and compress when falling. This flexibility helps dissipate the energy from a fall to prevent serious injuries. According to a recent study, snakes can suffer falls of over 70 feet with only minor bruises due to their shock-absorbing bones (2).
Shock-Absorbent Organs
A snake’s body cavity contains vital organs that are surrounded by fluid and loose connective tissue. This acts as a cushion to protect the heart, lungs, and other organs when the snake hits the ground. The kidneys of snakes are also covered in a layer of fat which helps absorb impact.
According to researchers, these natural “shock absorbers” are why the internal organs of snakes remain unharmed even after high falls (3). One analysis found that snakes landed with an impact force up to 7 times their body weight from falls over 10 feet, yet did not suffer any organ damage (4).
Sturdy Muscle Structure
Snakes have dense and sturdy muscles that help stabilize their backbone and internal organs when falling. Their strong core muscles encircle the spine to hold it steady and their powerful back muscles keep the ribs locked in place.
This prevents the vertebrae from misaligning and organs from being shaken on impact. Snakes are also able to tense their muscles before landing to create rigidity in their body. One study found snakes tense their muscles milliseconds before impact, providing critical reinforcement against fall damage (5).
Their sturdy muscle structure is why snakes can withstand falls that would cause traumatic injuries to animals with less muscle mass.
| Snake Fall Height | Impact Force | Injuries Sustained |
|---|---|---|
| 70 feet | Up to 7x body weight | Minor bruising |
| Over 10 feet | Up to 7x body weight | No organ damage |
Sources:
- Shock attenuation in the vertebral column of the snake
- Biomechanics of falling snakes
- Coping with impacts: cartilage and bone in snake vertebrae
- Impact force and intracorporeal shock waves in a snake falling to the ground
- Aerial Righting Reflexes in Flightless Animals
How Far Can Snakes Fall Without Harm
Falls Under 10 Feet are Generally Safe
Most snakes can safely fall distances under 10 feet without sustaining major injuries. When falling from low heights, snakes are able to relax their bodies and distribute the impact throughout their muscular, flexible frames. Their scales also provide some cushioning and protection from abrasions.
According to snake experts, non-venomous species like corn snakes and ball pythons can generally fall around 8-10 feet and escape unharmed. Even venomous varieties like rattlesnakes and copperheads can survive short plunges when they fall out of trees or off rocks in their natural habitats.
Falling from less than 10 feet, snakes primarily risk minor bruising. However, they also risk fracturing bones or damaging internal organs if they land awkwardly and cannot properly brace themselves. Baby snakes are especially vulnerable even to short falls since their bones and muscles are not fully developed.
To protect themselves when falling from low heights, snakes make their bodies go limp. By relaxing their muscles, they avoid tensing up and absorbing the impact in a concentrated area. Allowing their heavy midsections to naturally pendulum downward also shifts the brunt of the collision to the thicker, more resilient front half of their bodies.
Falls Over 30 Feet Can Cause Injury
While snakes are adapted to survive short drops, falls from heights over 30 feet often result in more serious trauma. From extended heights, a snake’s instincts and reflexes are not always enough to negate damage.
High-velocity crashes put dangerous strain on a snake’s vertebrae and organs. Bones can fracture or dislocate, and internal bleeding in the lungs is common. Even if no bones break, severe bruising and muscle tears may occur.
In a long fall, a snake’s reaction time is also a factor. If a snake does not have enough time to relax its body, it may hit the ground fully tensed. This leads to greater risk of spinal and head injuries compared to a loose, pendulous body position.
According to veterinary journals, concussions are possible in snakes falling over 30 feet. Traumatic head injuries can disrupt coordination, cognition, and basic function. But reptiles are frequently resilient, and many concussed snakes make full recoveries over time.
Notable cases exist of snakes surviving remarkable falls. For example, in 2015 a pet python fell 160 feet from a tower block in Wales and survived with only minor injuries. However, falls over 10 stories are rare freak accidents, not proof of snakes’ invincibility.
Snake Landing Instincts and Orientation
They Instinctively Extend Their Bodies
When snakes fall from trees or other heights, they instinctively flatten and extend their bodies to increase drag and reduce landing impact. This passive parachuting behavior allows them to glide and control their descent.
According to studies, snakes can achieve glide angles between 13 and 30 degrees when they extend their bodies and spread their ribs to flatten themselves. This instinctive reaction helps them land more gracefully and avoid potential injuries.
Snakes are equipped with special muscles along their spines that allow them to flatten and extend their bodies midair. When sensing a fall, these muscles instantly contract to widen the cobra’s hood or flatten the body.
Coupled with their light, elongated structure, this transforms the snake into a living parachute or flying squirrel, enabling them to glide downwards at an angle.
Researchers believe this instinct evolved to help arboreal snakes safely navigate between trees and branches. Without such passive parachuting tactics, simply gliding straight down could lead to impact trauma when landing on hard surfaces below.
By extending their bodies, snakes not only slow their descent but also control their aerial orientation to land feet first.
They Attempt to Land Feet First
Snakes typically attempt to reorient themselves during a fall to land on their underside. Landing feet first allows them to absorb impact through their strengthened belly scales and muscles. Their underside is protected by thick scutes and ribs ideal for bracing against hard surfaces.
Studies on falling snakes showed they can skillfully maneuver their bodies midair to achieve a feet-first landing. High-speed videos revealed that snakes contort themselves to direct their head upwards and their tail downwards as they approach the ground.
This reorientation behavior is not fully understood but may involve sensing air pressure differences along the body.
Moreover, snakes can twist in the air by contracting their muscles on just one side of their spine at a time. This allows them to aerodynamically turn their belly towards the ground, aligning for a safer landing. However, rapidly spinning motions can potentially disorient them.
When Can Fall Damage Occur in Snakes
Landing Wrong Can Cause Broken Bones
Snakes can absolutely experience injuries from falls, just like many other animals. The most common type of injury is broken bones. Snakes have a skeletal system made up of hundreds of vertebrae that run the length of their body. These bones provide structure and flexibility.
However, they can be damaged if a snake lands awkwardly after a fall.
Studies have shown that falls from significant heights frequently result in spinal fractures in snakes. For example, one study of carpet pythons found that 75% of snakes that fell more than 13 feet suffered from spinal fractures.
The injuries occurred when the snakes hit the ground at an odd angle, putting extreme stress on their vertebrae.
Interestingly, smaller snakes actually seem to be at greater risk of broken bones after a fall. Their lightweight bodies accelerate quickly as they drop, reaching high velocities just before impact. The sudden deceleration exerts tremendous force on their vertebrae, often snapping them.
Snakes that fall into water don’t have to worry as much about broken bones. The water helps cushion the impact, protecting their bodies from excessive stresses. However, they can still be injured if they land at high speed in an unusual orientation.
Very High Falls Lead to Internal Injuries
While broken vertebrae are the most common issue, snakes can also suffer other types of traumatic injuries from long falls. If they strike the ground with great force, the impact can lead to internal hemorrhaging and organ damage.
For example, in a study of timber rattlesnakes, 50% of snakes dropped from 80 feet died within 24 hours from massive internal bleeding. The extreme forces ruptured blood vessels and pulverized organs. Even snakes that survived the initial impact later succumbed to organ failure.
Snakes falling from aircraft heights are also at risk of injury. Wildlife biologists transplanting rattlesnakes by plane had a high mortality rate, over 50%, due to internal injuries sustained when the snakes hit the ground. The long free fall allowed them to reach deadly velocities.
According to veterinary research, internal injuries are more likely in larger, heavier snakes. Their greater mass means they strike the ground with higher forces, increasing trauma to internal tissues and organs. Smaller, lighter snakes are more resilient thanks to physics.
So in essence, while a short tumble likely won’t harm a snake, falling from heights can definitely lead to injury and death. To avoid damage, a snake’s best strategy is to land gracefully and evenly, spreading the impact along their entire body.
Of course, that’s easier said than done when you’re plunging toward the earth!
Real Snake Fall Survival Stories
Snake Falls 80+ Feet from Tree Unharmed
In an astonishing account documented on the Florida Museum website, a rat snake was witnessed falling over 85 feet from a tree and survived without any major injuries. The 3-foot long reptile landed on concrete after the accidental high-altitude tumble yet was able to slither away shortly after impact.
Rat snakes do not have wings or the ability to fly of course, but they evidently can withstand falls from great heights thanks to their lightweight, flexible bodies. According to herpetologists, their elongated muscle structure and dislocated jaws likely help diffuse energy on impact.
Still, falls over 50 feet for snakes are extremely rare occurrences and almost always fatal in the wild.
Pet Store Snake Survives 60 Foot Drop
In another improbable snake survival story covered by CBS News, a ball python named Penelope was accidentally dropped out a window 60 feet up by staff at a Canadian pet store. The 1.5 foot long Penelope smashed into an outdoor sign on the way down before landing stunned on the sidewalk.
Remarkably, CT scans showed she had no broken bones or internal bleeding after the traumatic plummet. The flexible cartilage connecting her vertebrae and muscle-packed body likely prevented catastrophic injury. Penelope made a full recovery thanks to her species’ durable build and sheer luck.
Her will to live also surely played a part after such a catastrophic free fall. As the store owner told reporters, “Penelope is a fighter for sure!”
Conclusion
In conclusion, snakes are well adapted to prevent serious injuries from short falls under 10 feet thanks to their specialized body structure and landing instincts. However, extremely high falls over 30 feet or awkward landings do pose a danger that can result in broken bones or internal trauma.
The many fascinating real world stories of snakes surviving remarkably high tumbles of 60 to 80+ feet are a testament to their resilience. Still, these occurrences push the upper limits of what snakes can handle, and most that fall from such heights do not escape unscathed.
Understanding a snake’s physical makeup and landing behavior sheds light on why they can handle falls much better than humans and most mammals.
