Rattlesnakes, like all snakes, shed their skin through a process called ecdysis. This allows them to grow and maintain healthy skin. While there isn’t a fixed schedule, rattlesnakes typically shed multiple times a year, often three to four times annually. However, this frequency varies considerably among individuals and species.
The Shedding Process
Before a rattlesnake sheds, several changes occur. Its skin may appear dull, and belly scales can turn pink. A striking sign is when the snake’s eyes become cloudy or milky, a phase called “in blue.” This cloudiness is due to fluid secreted between the old and new skin layers, which temporarily impairs the snake’s vision.
Once a new skin layer forms, the rattlesnake begins shedding. It often rubs its head against a rough surface, such as a rock or branch, to create a tear in the old skin near its mouth. After this initial tear, the snake systematically works its way out by wriggling or rubbing against objects. The old skin usually comes off in a single, inverted piece, much like a peeled sock, revealing the vibrant new skin beneath. This entire process can take several days to a few weeks.
Factors Influencing Shedding Frequency
Shedding frequency is influenced by several biological and environmental factors. Younger rattlesnakes, still growing, shed more frequently than older, mature snakes. Juveniles might shed multiple times a year, while adults may shed only once or twice annually.
Food availability and the snake’s diet play a role; well-fed snakes that are growing quickly will shed more often to accommodate their increasing size. Environmental conditions also impact shedding cycles. Warmer temperatures can lead to more frequent shedding due to increased metabolism and growth. Adequate humidity is important for a smooth shed, as dry environments can cause difficulty. A snake’s health and any injuries it sustains can also affect shedding frequency; snakes recovering from injuries or dealing with parasites might shed more often.
Why Rattlesnakes Shed Their Skin
Shedding, or ecdysis, serves several important functions for rattlesnakes. The primary reason is to accommodate growth. Unlike human skin, a snake’s skin does not stretch as it grows, necessitating the formation of a new, larger skin layer underneath the old one, which is then discarded.
Shedding also allows rattlesnakes to replace worn, damaged, or scarred skin with a fresh, healthy layer. It aids in the removal of external parasites that may have attached to the old skin, contributing to the snake’s overall hygiene. Each shed also results in the addition of a new segment to the rattlesnake’s tail, forming its characteristic rattle.
Rattlesnake Vulnerability After Shedding
During the period leading up to shedding, when the rattlesnake’s eyes become cloudy, its vision is significantly impaired. This temporary blindness makes the snake more susceptible to predators and less able to navigate its environment effectively. As a result, rattlesnakes often seek secluded and secure hiding places during this vulnerable time to remain safe.
Immediately after shedding, rattlesnakes are still considered vulnerable. However, once the old skin is fully sloughed off, the rattlesnake emerges with new, vibrant skin that is often brighter and clearer in appearance, including its eyes. The process of shedding itself is a significant metabolic and temporal investment for the snake.