Why Snakes Slough Their Skin
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
Image: Pexels
Snakes shed their skin to accommodate growth, remove damaged or worn-out skin, and get rid of parasites
Image: Pexels
As snakes grow, their skin does not expand, so they develop a new layer underneath the old one
Image: Pexels
Scientists call this process ecdysis; it is also sometimes called sloughing and moulting
Image: Pexels
The snake's skin is constantly exposed to the elements and can become damaged or worn out
Image: Pexels
In some cases, snakes shed their skin as part of hormonal changes related to breeding or other life cycle events
Image: Pexels
Snakes stop feeding and tuck themselves away somewhere safe for a few days to shed their skin
Image: Pexels
At some point, the fluid between the old and new skin is reabsorbed, causing the old skin to dry out and split along a line of weakness around the mouth
Image: Pexels
It can then be rolled back off the body like a sock being turned inside out
Image: Pexels
In the absence of limbs to help this process along, snakes rub themselves up against hard, abrasive objects
Image: Pexels
ndtv.com