When a snake raises the front part of its body, people often describe this action as “standing up.” This behavior, common among various snake species, serves multiple purposes. Understanding why snakes adopt this posture reveals their communication and survival strategies.
Understanding the “Standing Up” Behavior
Snakes do not possess limbs to literally “stand up.” Instead, this behavior involves the snake elevating its head and a portion of its front body vertically or near-vertically from the ground. This posture is also known as periscoping. The height and duration of this stance vary by species and situation. This action allows the snake to gain a different perspective of its surroundings.
Key Reasons for Raising the Body
Snakes raise their bodies for several distinct reasons. One primary purpose is a defensive display. When a snake feels threatened, raising its body can make it appear larger and more intimidating to a potential predator. This posture is often accompanied by other warning signals, such as hooding in cobras, hissing, or tail rattling in species like rattlesnakes.
Such a display is typically a warning to deter an aggressor before the snake resorts to biting, aiming to avoid physical confrontation and conserve resources. For instance, a king cobra can raise up to one-third of its body length off the ground, an impressive height.
Another common reason for snakes to raise their bodies is environmental scanning. This behavior allows a snake to elevate its head and gain a better vantage point to survey its surroundings. Snakes use periscoping to locate prey, identify potential threats, or navigate obstacles in their habitat, such as tall grass or dense foliage. This helps them assess their environment.
Male combat or courtship rituals also involve snakes raising their bodies. During breeding seasons, male snakes of certain species engage in ritualistic “wrestling” matches to establish dominance and secure mating rights with females. These encounters often involve the males intertwining their bodies and attempting to push each other’s heads down, with the goal of physically overpowering a rival rather than inflicting serious injury. This behavior ensures that the stronger male is more likely to pass on its genes.
Snakes Known for This Posture
Several snake species exhibit body-raising postures for specific reasons. Cobras, particularly the King Cobra, are known for their defensive display, raising a portion of their body and spreading their hood. This action, combined with a deep growl, serves as a clear warning to perceived threats. King cobras can lift up to one-third of their body, meaning an 18-foot snake could raise itself six feet high.
Species such as garter snakes and rat snakes frequently demonstrate periscoping behavior. They raise their heads and front bodies to scan their environment, aiding in hunting and navigation. This allows them to gain a wider field of vision over various terrains.
Male combat involving body raising is observed in many species, including colubrid snakes. These ritualistic contests are often non-lethal, with males attempting to overpower opponents by pushing them down. Some colubrid species maintain an upright position, trying to raise their heads higher than their opponent during these competitive interactions.