According to one study the maximum jumping ability of a snake is about one-third their body length. For example a 3-foot-long (1 meter) snake could jump up to 1 foot (30 centimeters). Snakes are very flexible so they can likely jump even farther if they really wanted to.
One reason snakes might not want to jump very far is because they could injure themselves. Their bones are not built for jumping like mammals or reptiles. Instead their bones are long and slender which helps them move quickly and slither through tight spaces.
If a snake did jump from a great height they could break their bones or even puncture their lungs. Snakes are also very sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure so jumping from a great height could also cause them to become disoriented or even pass out.
So while snakes are capable of jumping it’s probably not something they do very often. And if they do jump it’s probably not very far.
How long can a snake jump?
Up to 1/3 its length
How far can a snake jump sideways?
Up to 1/2 its length
How far can a snake jump backwards?
Up to 1/2 its length
How far can a snake jump up?
Up to 1/3 its length
How far can a snake jump down?
Up to 1/3 its length
How high can a snake jump?
Up to 1/3 its length
How fast can a snake jump?
Up to 10 feet per second
How many times can a snake jump in a day?
Up to 10 times
What do snakes use to jump?
Their muscles
How do snakes jump?
By contracting their muscles
How do snakes prepare to jump?
By coiling their bodies
What is the maximum height a snake has been recorded to jump?
3 feet
What is the maximum distance a snake has been recorded to jump?
6 feet
What is the maximum speed a snake has been recorded to jump?
10 feet per second
What does jumping allow snakes to do?
Escape predators catch prey and avoid obstacles
