Snakes are generally associated with being land reptiles because they are commonly found in the grass, on trees, in forests, or even in people’s backyards! However, you might be wondering if snakes can be found in water and, if so, whether or not they can swim.
Snakes can swim. If you ever witness a snake swimming, you’ll likely notice its head popping out of the water while the rest of its body remains underneath. However, some snakes’ heads and bodies stay over the water when they swim. All snake species are good swimmers.
Now that you know snakes can swim, you might have additional questions. This article will discuss if snakes are attracted to swimming pools, which can swim on top of the water, and how fast they can swim.
Are Snakes Attracted to Swimming Pools?
Snakes are sometimes attracted to swimming pools, especially if they’re looking for water and your pool contains freshwater. Like humans, snakes also need water to survive and stay hydrated, so you should keep watch over your pool to ensure there are no unwanted visitors.
Here Is Why Snakes Are Attracted to Swimming Pools
Snakes Need Water
First and foremost, snakes need water because they can’t survive without it. So if they come across a swimming pool with plenty of water, they will likely take advantage of the opportunity. Therefore, you might see a snake swimming at some point, and if you do, it probably wants to drink the water.
Swimming Pools Attract Other Animals
Another thing to think about is whether or not pools attract other animals. The answer is undoubtedly yes; swimming pools attract many unwanted animals, including rodents and insects. As you may know, snakes like to eat rodents and insects, so these animals can attract snakes to the pool if they’re already there.
If you ever notice a snake around your pool, it’s good to consider the possibility that there are also other pests in the area.
Swimming Pools Can Protect Snakes
Snakes are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperatures differ depending on their surroundings. When a snake is too warm (for example, on a hot day), it might want to cool off. If a swimming pool with cold water is in sight, a snake will likely be attracted to it and want to get in.
Snakes Are Attracted to Other Things in Your Yard
While swimming pools and other animals in your yard can attract snakes, they are also attracted to other things. Examples include trees, shrubs, and overwatered lawns. So, these things could initially attract a snake, but a swimming pool might be what makes it stay around longer, especially if water is in short supply.
Can Ball Pythons Swim?
Ball pythons can swim, but they generally don’t enjoy it and only do it when it’s entirely necessary. So, you should only expect a ball python to swim if it’s a matter of survival. Having said that, they are good swimmers.
Can Corn Snakes Swim?
Corn snakes can swim and enjoy it more than other snakes (including ball pythons). That’s primarily because swimming brings them benefits. Swimming and water, in general, are good because it helps their skin with shedding, which is essential for their overall well-being.
Since corn snakes like to swim, it wouldn’t be odd to see one swimming around a pool, lake, or pond. The water may also keep them cool on a hot day.
What Snakes Can Swim?
All snakes can swim, but some species like to swim more than others. While certain snakes swim entirely above the water, some prefer to swim with their bodies under the water. Many snakes receive benefits from swimming in water. They can remain hydrated and easily shed their skin.
An example of a snake that likes to swim is the green tree python, a species regularly found around water.
Snakes That Swim on Top of Water?
Many snake species swim on top of the water. One example is the water moccasin, a venomous reptile found in different parts of the US. Some people claim that all venomous snakes swim above water while all non-venomous snakes swim below water, but this is untrue.
According to an article published by USA Today, some venomous species do swim entirely on top of the water, but not all of them. So, you shouldn’t decide whether a snake is venomous or not based on how it swims.
Here are some examples of snakes that swim on top of the water, according to the same USA Today article:
- Water moccasin
- Copperheads
- Cottonmouths
- Some rattlesnakes
How Fast Can Snakes Swim?
Snakes can swim at different speeds depending on the species. While fast snakes can swim up to two miles (3.2 km) an hour, other species (like the Kenyan sand boa) are likely to be much slower. The fastest snakes in the world can swim as fast as 12 miles (19 km) per hour.
Pythons are another example of a slow-moving snake. They move at a speed of around one mile (1.6km) an hour, so they would swim at a similar pace.
Black mambas are some of the fastest snakes in the world and can swim and move faster than pythons and other species. They can travel as fast as 12 miles (19 km) per hour when slithering around and can swim at similar speeds to this.
Conclusion
Snakes can swim, but many species only do so if it’s entirely necessary. Some species, like corn snakes, benefit from swimming because it can help them shed their skin.
Other times, swimming might be the only travel option for a snake. Swimming pools can attract snakes because they provide heat protection and hydration. However, pests and insects can also attract snakes to a pool area.
Snakes can either swim entirely above the water or with their heads above the water and bodies under it; this will depend on the specific species.