Determining whether a motionless snake is truly deceased or merely exhibiting a defensive behavior can be unexpectedly difficult. Snakes are masters of stillness, whether they are in a state of shock, conserving energy during brumation, or actively employing a survival tactic. Accurately identifying the snake’s status is important not only for your safety, particularly if the species is venomous, but also for ensuring appropriate handling of the animal. Many signs of life and death in reptiles are subtle and require careful observation.
Mistaking Thanatosis for Death
The most dramatic form of deception a snake can use is thanatosis, commonly known as playing dead. This anti-predator strategy is intended to convince a potential threat that the snake is an unappetizing, decaying carcass. Certain species, such as the North American hognose snake, are notorious for their theatrical death-feigning performance. The visual cues of this behavior are often stark and unnatural, making them the first sign that the snake is not actually dead.
A snake engaged in thanatosis typically rolls onto its back, lying belly-up, and becomes completely flaccid. If you attempt to right it, the snake will immediately flip back over to maintain the illusion of death. This performance is enhanced by an open mouth, sometimes with the tongue protruding, and the emission of foul-smelling musk or feces. This combination of signals aims to mimic the smell and appearance of a dead animal, deterring predators.
Checking for Immediate Signs of Life
When a snake is motionless but not exhibiting thanatosis, it may be stunned, cold, or in a deep rest like brumation. It is important to observe for subtle signs of life from a safe distance, especially since a cold snake’s metabolism is extremely slow, making movement rare. Look closely for any minute movement near the vent or along the snake’s sides, which could indicate faint breathing. Snakes lack eyelids, so their eyes are always open, but a living snake’s eyes will often appear bright and alert, unlike the dullness associated with death.
A safe, non-contact stimulation test is the most practical way to check for a reaction. Gently nudge the snake’s tail or the side of its body using a long stick or pole. A live snake, even one that is lethargic or in shock, will usually exhibit some defensive or startled movement, however slight. If the snake is in a cold environment, its reaction may be delayed, so allow a few moments to respond before concluding it is lifeless.
Confirming True Biological Death
The definitive confirmation of biological death relies on observing irreversible physical changes that distinguish it from temporary inactivity. One reliable indicator is rigor mortis, the stiffening of the muscles caused by chemical changes after death. This post-mortem rigidity typically begins several hours after death, making the body feel rigid and inflexible when gently touched with a tool. After a period, which varies depending on temperature, this stiffness subsides in a process called secondary flaccidity, leading to a limp body again.
The appearance of the eyes also changes after death. While a snake’s eyes are normally clear, a deceased snake’s eyes may appear sunken, opaque, or cloudy due to the drying of the spectacle, the clear scale covering the eye. This post-mortem clouding is distinct from the cloudy appearance that occurs naturally just before a snake sheds its skin. Finally, irreversible signs of decay, such as a strong, unpleasant smell from decomposition, bloating, or skin discoloration, provide conclusive evidence of death.