Finding eggs in your yard or during outdoor activities can spark curiosity about the local wildlife. Identifying snake eggs can be interesting for understanding nature and helpful for knowing how to proceed safely. Recognizing their characteristics helps differentiate them from other reptile or bird eggs.
General Characteristics of Snake Eggs
Snake eggs have distinct physical attributes. Their shape is commonly elongated or elliptical, rather than perfectly spherical, and this oblong form allows the developing snake to stretch out within the egg.
Their texture is notably leathery, flexible, and soft, often described as pliable or slightly squishy, much like a soft rubber balloon. This contrasts with the hard, brittle shells of bird eggs. Snake eggs are usually white or off-white, though some may have a slightly yellowish or cream hue, and can appear somewhat translucent. Depending on the species, snake eggs generally range from about 1 to 5 inches in length, and they are often found in a cluster, sometimes adhering to each other.
Distinguishing From Other Reptile Eggs
Differentiating snake eggs from those of other reptiles or birds involves observing shell texture, shape, and nesting habits. Unlike the hard, brittle shells of bird eggs, snake eggs possess a flexible, leathery shell. Bird eggs also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, often found in constructed nests above ground, whereas snake eggs are typically plain white or off-white.
Lizard eggs can share similarities with snake eggs, often being white and ovular with a soft, leathery texture. However, snake eggs tend to be more elongated or oblong, and generally larger, averaging around an inch in length compared to many lizard eggs which are often smaller.
Turtle eggs are usually round or spherical, with a hard or sometimes leathery shell. This differs from the typically oblong and consistently pliable snake eggs, and their round shape is a primary differentiator.
Common Hiding Spots
Snakes seek secluded, moist, and relatively warm environments for their eggs, offering protection from predators and extreme weather. They do not build elaborate nests like birds. Common locations include under logs, rocks, leaf litter, rotting wood, loose soil, compost piles, or within burrows abandoned by other animals.
These sites provide stable temperature and humidity levels, which are important for the proper development of the embryos. Too little moisture can lead to desiccation, while too much can cause mold or rot.
What to Do When You Find Them
The most responsible action when finding snake eggs is to leave them undisturbed. Moving them can be detrimental, as the embryo inside attaches to the yolk in a specific orientation, and rotating the egg can detach it, potentially leading to its demise. Studies indicate that interference by humans can decrease the survival rates of snake eggs.
If the eggs are not in an immediate danger zone, such as a high-traffic area, it is best to observe them from a distance. Most snake species abandon their eggs after laying them, so a parent snake is unlikely to be guarding them, though some species like pythons and cobras may remain nearby. If the eggs are in a precarious location or if there is concern about venomous species, contacting local wildlife authorities, animal control, or a professional wildlife removal service is advisable. These experts can provide guidance or safely relocate the eggs if absolutely necessary, ensuring both human safety and the well-being of the wildlife.