How Fast Can A Snake Run

How Fast Can a Snake Run?

In general snakes are not particularly fast animals. They don’t have to be since they rely on ambush rather than chase to capture their prey. But some snakes are faster than others. The world’s fastest snake according to the Guinness World Records is the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) which can slither at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour (mph) in short bursts. In comparison the fastest human can run about 28 mph.

Of course 12.5 mph is fast for a snake but it’s not as fast as some people might think. A lot of people believe that snakes can crawl as fast as a car on the highway. This is simply not true. In fact most snakes can’t even move that fast on level ground. The only snake that is known to be able to move at speeds close to this is the desert sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) which can reach speeds of up to 10 mph on loose sand.

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So how do snakes move so fast? The answer has to do with their method of locomotion. Snakes don’t have legs so they can’t run like we do. Instead they use a method of locomotion called “undulation.” This is where the snake’s body moves in a wave-like motion propelling the snake forwards. The faster the snake’s body moves the faster it can travel.

Some snakes like the black mamba can travel quite fast using this method. But there are others that are even faster. The cheetah for example can run at speeds of up to 70 mph. So while snakes are fast for reptiles they’re not the fastest animals on the planet.

That said there are some snakes that can give the cheetah a run for its money. The eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) is one of these snakes. This snake can reach speeds of up to 30 mph when it’s moving on level ground. When it’s moving through the trees however it can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.

So if you’re ever being chased by a snake don’t expect to outrun it. You might be able to outrun some snakes but others will be able to keep up with you or even exceed your speed. If you’re being chased by a snake the best thing to do is to try to find someplace to hide. Snakes can’t see very well so if you can put something between you and the snake like a tree you might be able to escape.

Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/37402-snakes-fastest-animal.html

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https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-land-snake

https://www. nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/green-mamba/

How fast can the average snake run?

The average snake can run up to 3 miles per hour.

How fast can the fastest snake run?

The fastest snake can run up to 12 miles per hour.

How long can a snake run for?

Snakes can run for about 30 minutes before they need to rest.

What is the record for the longest snake race?

The longest snake race on record was 26.

2 miles.

How many snakes were in the longest snake race?

There were 100 snakes in the longest snake race.

What is the record for the fastest snake race?

The fastest snake race on record was 13.

8 miles per hour.

How many snakes were in the fastest snake race?

There were 50 snakes in the fastest snake race.

snakes can see in the dark true or false?

False snakes cannot see in the dark.

What color do snakes see best?

Snakes see best in the blue and UV light.

How many times can a snake shed its skin?

A snake can shed its skin 2-5 times a year.

What do snakes use to help them shed their skin?

Snakes use their teeth to help them shed their skin.

What do baby snakes eat?

Baby snakes eat small insects.

What do adult snakes eat?

Adult snakes eat mammals reptiles and birds.

Do all snakes eat eggs?

No not all snakes eat eggs.

Do all snakes eat venomous prey?

No not all snakes eat venomous prey.

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