Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

1. 80

   ngurecoposted 14 years ago

   Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

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   wesleycoxposted 14 years ago

   Simply put, so they can grow bigger.
   Furthermore, snakes freak me out!!

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   Andrzej19posted 14 years ago

   Snakes, and all reptiles shed their skin. When they grow the skin that was on them does no longer fit, so they shed it. The new skin looks much better too.

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   VeryEliteposted 14 years ago

   Snakes shed when they grow too big for their skin, comparable to the way humans outgrow clothing. Humans shed skin cells too. However, instead of losing skin cells as one continuous and noticeable piece, humans lose numerous, tiny skin cells each day. No one really notices this shedding, as human skin cells are small enough to escape observation.

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   Great Uncle Billposted 14 years ago

   Its not just for growth. All reptiles eventually get to a size where they don't actually grow anymore. People say they grow their whole life, but they get to an age where the growth is insignificant. The scales on reptiles contain vital nutrients to keep that animal in top shape so the shedding is also done in order to replenish those nutrients.

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   spiderspunposted 14 years ago

   One other reason they shed is to rid their bodies of parasites that may linger or have been picked up by handling, They can pick up parasites from being in a pet shop that move reptiles around in other reptiles containers without fully sanitizing it. The parasites go crazy when a new host is occupying the habitat.

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   daryl2007posted 13 years ago

   Snakes shed their skin maybe because of the bacteria and parasites that stick on their skin and because snake grow. Such as rattlesnakes whenever they shed they get a new piece to their rattle.  That is the reason why... cool ha

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