Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

Snakes shed their skin to grow and stay healthy. Just like when you outgrow your clothes, snakes need new skin to keep up with their growing bodies. They start by peeling off the old skin from their head and then work their way down to their tail.

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Snakes shed their skin when they grow too big for it, just like how you might outgrow your shoes.
Snake shedding can look almost magical, the snake seems to disappear under its old skin before coming out fresh and new.
Snake shedding is also a sign of good health, if a snake sheds regularly, it's doing well.

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Categories: Science · reptiles,snake biology,molting,shedding,skin regeneration