Have you ever wondered why snakes sometimes consume their own bodies? The scientific explanation behind this disturbing behaviour is both fascinating and unexpected.
Snakes, often feared and misunderstood, have occasionally been seen attacking and attempting to swallow their own tails. Though it may sound like something from a horror story, such behaviour is well-documented.
Over the years, images and videos showing snakes in this distressing state have circulated widely, sparking a mix of fear and curiosity. While it may appear supernatural or bizarre, this phenomenon has entirely biological and environmental causes. Experts link it to extreme stress, overheating, or neurological issues.
Why Some Snakes Bite Their Own Tails?
To understand why a snake might behave in this way, it helps to consider how snakes experience the world. Unlike mammals, snakes rely less on sight and hearing and more on their sense of smell and vibration. Using their forked tongues and a specialised organ called the Jacobson’s organ, they ‘taste’ the air for chemical signals.
However, this unique sensory system can become confused under certain conditions, particularly if the snake is stressed, unwell, or in an unsuitable environment.
As ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, snakes rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. According to A-Z Animals, exposure to excessive heat can confuse a snake to the extent that it mistakes its own tail for prey, sometimes resulting in self-cannibalism.
Stress And Hunger: A Dangerous Combination
High stress levels can significantly alter a snake’s behaviour. It may become restless, refuse to eat, or attempt to hide. In some cases, extreme stress can cause the snake to misidentify its tail as food, especially if it’s hungry or can smell prey nearby.
Certain species, such as kingsnakes and milk snakes, are known to be aggressive feeders. If left unfed for too long, their feeding drive can become so intense that they may attack anything that moves, including their own tails.
Neurological Conditions And Self-Injury
In some cases, brain injuries or neurological disorders can cause a snake to behave abnormally. These conditions may be present from birth or result from illness, injury, or trauma.
Affected snakes may chase their tails or bite themselves repeatedly. Unfortunately, these incidents are often captured in videos shared on social media. While the footage can be unsettling, it is a genuine reflection of the snake’s condition, usually triggered by stress, hunger, overheating, or neurological dysfunction.