Snoring, common in many mammals, does not happen in snakes. Their respiratory anatomy fundamentally differs, preventing involuntary sounds like snoring. This is due to the unique structure of a snake’s breathing system and the absence of specific anatomical features found in snoring animals.
The Anatomy of Snake Respiration
Snakes possess a respiratory system uniquely adapted to their elongated bodies. Unlike mammals, they lack a soft palate, which vibrates during snoring, and do not possess vocal cords. These anatomical differences prevent them from producing snoring sounds.
A snake’s breathing apparatus consists of external nostrils, a nasal cavity, and a glottis, a slit-like opening at the bottom of their mouth. The glottis leads directly into the trachea. A small cartilage piece within the glottis vibrates when air is forcibly expelled, producing many sounds. Snakes also lack a diaphragm, relying on rib muscles for air movement.
Most snake species have only one functional lung, typically the right, with the left often reduced or absent. This adapts to their narrow body shape. The anterior lung portion handles gas exchange, while the posterior functions as an air sac. A snake’s mobile glottis can extend forward, even outside the mouth, allowing breathing while swallowing large prey.
What Sounds Snakes Typically Make
Snakes produce voluntary sounds for defense or warning. Hissing is the most recognized, created by rapidly expelling air through their glottis. As air rushes past a small cartilaginous structure within the glottis, it vibrates, generating the distinct hissing noise.
Hissing primarily functions as a defensive mechanism, signaling a threat to predators. It is generally not used for communication among snakes, as its frequency is often too high for other snakes to hear. Beyond hissing, some species exhibit specialized sound production.
Rattlesnakes produce their characteristic rattling sound by vibrating hollow, interconnected keratin segments at their tail tips, warning large animals. Other sounds include growling (King Cobra) and rasping (saw-scaled vipers rubbing scales). Pine snakes also produce a unique shriek due to a laryngeal septum.
Recognizing Concerning Sounds in Snakes
Abnormal sounds can indicate a health problem in snakes, particularly a respiratory infection. Wheezing, gurgling, clicking, or rattling noises during breathing are signs of underlying issues.
These sounds often result from inflammation, excess mucus, or blockages within the respiratory tract. Other symptoms of respiratory distress include open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge, or excessive mucus and bubbles around the mouth. Changes in behavior, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, can also indicate illness.
Consistently low humidity or improper enclosure temperatures can contribute to respiratory infections. If any concerning sounds or symptoms are noticed, seek prompt veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment by a reptile veterinarian can significantly improve recovery.