Got
questions?
If you want to know more about ME, go here.
If you want to know more about animals, start with my list of good animal sites.
Research tip: you know those weird names scientists give animals (you see them under the common name on zoo signs like "Skunk-Mephitis mephitis")? They're actually quite helpful. If you can find the scientific name of an animal and type THAT into Google you'll get a much better set of search results!
Now, if you've done a little browsing and still can't find an answer, e-mail your question to me. I can't promise you a quick reply, (or any reply at all) but, if it's a good question, I'll get an answer for you and post it here at www.FunkySkunkies.com. Let's hear 'em!
Our first question comes from Miguel in San Antonio:
How do snakes know
when to shed, or does it just happen?
The process of a snake shedding it's skin actually starts a week or so they
finally peel it off. The skin gets a hazy cast to it; the colors get dull
and cloudy. At this point the old skin is "lifting" off and a new layer is
forming beneath. There is actually a clear scale that covers each eye and
the eyes get cloudy too. The snake has a hard time seeing at
this point and can be more likely to strike to protect itself. Their skin
also seems sensitive to touch at this point; I imagine it's like a sunburn.
Several days later, the skin gets clearer and
they'll start to actually shed the old skin within a few days. What makes
them decide the moment is right? Can't tell you for sure but I imagine
they have to feel safe at the time. Maybe they get an itchy or tickly
feeling? Anyway, they will normally rub their nose against something rough
like a rock or branch and begin peeling the skin off from head to tail; it kind
of comes off like a big long sock or a woman's stocking. It usually takes
10-30 minutes.
Hope that helps!
Lucas