Behavior Of Snakes Research Articles

Differential predation pressure on island pit vipers shape their niches and defensive behavior

Abstract Animals are naturally exposed to several predators, and, given that a single encounter with a predator may cause prey’s death, natural selection will strongly act upon its defensiveness. Therefore, defensive behavior is strongly shaped by predation pressure. Predation rate in islands tends to be relaxed due to lower abundance of predators. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that predation rates upon the two island pit vipers Bothrops alcatraz and B. insularis would be lower than correlated mainland B. jararaca. Additionally, we evaluated the defensive behavior of these island snakes in the field to compare with the mainland B. jararaca. Predation pressure upon the insular species was assessed utilizing plasticine replicas, and we evaluated their defensive behavior to approach. These data were compared to those previously reported for B. jararaca. We found a lower predation pressure on B. insularis (from the smaller area) than on B. alcatraz and B. jararaca from the urban mainland forest fragment (areas with intermediate size), and all of them showed lower predation pressure than B. jararaca from the continuous mainland forested area. In the field, island snakes show narrower defensive repertoire than B. jararaca, since most B. insularis fled, and B. alcatraz either fled or remained immobile on approach. Apparently, the predation pressure to which these island pit vipers are exposed shapes their defensive behavior, as well as the niches exploited by them.

Apparent Ophidiomycosis Alters Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Behavior and Habitat Use.

Pathogens not only cause mortality but also impose nonlethal fitness consequences. Snakes experience trade-offs associated with behaviors that combat disease but divert time and energy away from other critical activities. The impacts of such behaviors on fitness remain poorly understood, raising concerns amid the emergence of novel herpetofaunal diseases. Ophidiomycosis, caused by the ascomycete fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, impacts free-ranging snakes across North America and has been implicated in declines of several imperiled populations. Although previous ophidiomycosis research has primarily focused on disease-related mortality, few studies have evaluated nonlethal impacts on snake fitness. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of apparent ophidiomycosis on the behavior, habitat use, and movement of snakes in central New Jersey, USA, from 2020 to 2021. Our focal species was the eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), a state species of special concern with limited representation in the ophidiomycosis literature. Although we did not observe mortality in our study population, we found that copperheads with apparent ophidiomycosis (8/31 individuals) displayed significantly different thermoregulatory behaviors than snakes without ophidiomycosis. Specifically, individuals with apparent ophidiomycosis favored areas with less canopy cover, less rock cover, and more coarse woody debris. Our findings suggest that snakes with apparent ophidiomycosis select habitats conducive to initiating behavior-mediated fever, potentially facilitating recovery.

Feeding behavior varies based upon prey defenses in the ground snake (Squamata: Serpentes: Sonora episcopa)

AbstractPredators with diverse diets can use generalized feeding behavior to consume different prey types or can alter behavior based upon the functional demands of each prey type. Prey choice and feeding behavior are especially important for limbless, gape‐limited predators, such as snakes, because the head must capture, subdue, and ingest prey. Although previous studies have described how snakes feed on dangerous prey, these studies have not compared how behaviors might vary with different prey types. We analyzed the feeding behavior of ground snakes (Sonora episcopa) that were fed scorpions, spiders, and centipedes. Ground snakes successfully consumed each prey type using different behaviors for each prey. To capture prey, snakes used the unusual behavior of pinning prey with the ventral surface of the head with a closed mouth strike before biting. Snakes grasped and envenomated scorpions in all trials, and this behavior lasted significantly longer for scorpions than for spiders. During envenomation, snakes used their body to pin the telson of the scorpion to reduce the likelihood of being stung. Rather than using body restraint to subdue spiders, the snakes often dragged spiders across the substrate with the mandible. Scorpions repeatedly pinched and stung snakes during feeding and snakes used body restraint to subdue this prey significantly more often than spiders. Our study revealed that ground snakes alter feeding behavior based upon prey defenses and use novel prey capture and handling behaviors to subdue prey, suggesting there is yet unappreciated diversity of feeding behavior in snakes allowing them to exploit dangerous arthropod prey.

Effects of enrichment and handling on the behavior of captive corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)

The vendors of pet snakes in exhibitions do not use a hide box in their enclosures, so there is a risk of inappropriate handling by customers. This study investigated the effects of enrichment (a hide box) and handling duration (5 and 10 minutes) on the behavior of captive corn snakes (n=8). During period 1 (weeks 1-4), snakes were kept in standard enclosures with sawdust and a water bowl. In period 2 (weeks 5-8), a hide box was added. An instantaneous time and scan sampling observation technique was used. Observations were conducted two hours per week during the 1st -3rd week of each period, recording the general behavior and body postures of the snakes every 5 minutes. In the 4th week of each period, the snakes were handled for 5 minutes on Saturday and 10 minutes on Sunday, with their behavior recorded for 5 minutes post-handling. Results showed that adding a hide box significantly decreased locomotion, digging and soaking (P<0.05). The snakes frequently used the hide box and were tightly coiled 25.61% of the observation time. However, the other body postures showed no significant differences between periods. There were no significant effects of periods and handling duration on behavioral duration, except that a 10-minute handling in period 2 made the snakes more inactive (P<0.05). After a 5-minute handling, the snakes were more active than after a 10-minute handling (P<0.05). In conclusion, adding a hide box to enclosures allowed snakes to exhibit their natural behavior. While enrichment and handling duration did not significantly affect overall behaviors, longer handling durations under enrichment conditions did influence activity levels. Further research is needed to find clearer explanations.

Defensive plasticity in South American rattlesnakes Crotalus durissus

Reptiles exhibit defensive responses in diverse ways, influenced by situational factors. Snakes, such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus, display complex defensive responses, adapting tactics based on circumstances when encountering potential predators. Environmental and intrinsic parameters shape snake behaviour during predator encounters. This study employs distinct stimuli to investigate behavioural changes and whether snakes adapt defensive strategies. We compare the behaviours of rattlesnakes before and after an aversive stimulus involving physical contact. Following encounters with higher-risk stimuli, snakes become more defensive.Findings reveal that snakes alter strategies based on threat intensity. This phenomenon might be influenced by the potential cost of defense and prior interactions with predators. The study underscores the intricate nature of snake defensive behaviour. Keywords: behavioural plasticity, antipredator behaviour, aversive stimulus, behavioural cost, active behaviours

Study of defensive behavior of a venomous snake as a new approach to understand snakebite

Snakebites affect millions of people worldwide. The majority of research and management about snakebites focus on venom and antivenom, with less attention given to snake ecology. The fundamental factor in snakebites is the snakes’ defensive biting behavior. Herein we examine the effects of environmental variables (temperature, time of day, and human stimulus) and biological variables (sex and body size) on the biting behavior of a medically significant pit viper species in Brazil, Bothrops jararaca (Viperidae), and associate it with the epidemiology of snakebites. Through experimental simulations of encounters between humans and snakes, we obtained behavioral models applicable to epidemiological situations in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. We found a significant overlap between behavioral, morphological, environmental, and epidemiological data. Variables that increase snakebites in epidemiological data also enhance the tendency of snakes to bite defensively, resulting in snakebites. We propose that snakebite incidents are influenced by environmental and morphological factors, affecting the behavior of snakes and the proportion of incidents. Thus, investigating behavior of snakes related to snakebite incidents is a valuable tool for a better understanding of the epidemiology of these events, helping the prediction and, thus, prevention of snakebites.

Snake Species Classification Using ConvNeXtXLarge

In this paper we are studying present a novel approach to snake species classification, utilizing ConvNeXtXL, a cutting-edge convolutional neural network architecture, and integrating a Language Model like GPT-3.5 for detailed information retrieval. The methodology involves collecting a diverse dataset of snake images, preprocessing them for uniformity, and fine-tuning the ConvNeXtXL model to classify 80 different snake species efficiently. Additionally, GPT-3.5 generates informative textual descriptions about the classified images, enriching the dataset with contextual knowledge about snake behavior and ecology. To make the classification system accessible, a web application is developed using Streamlit, enabling users to upload snake images and receive both visual classification results and textual descriptions. This combined approach enhances species identification, facilitates research and conservation efforts, and promotes public engagement in snake biodiversity and conservation.

Mating System and Behavior of Steppe Rat Snake (<i>Elaphe dione</i>) in South Korea

The mating system affects the animal’s mating behavior, operational sex ratio (OSR), and the genetic information of paternity. It is generally known that many species in the order Serpent accept polyandry. We observed the mating behavior of steppe rat snakes three times from April 1 until September 30, 2020. In all cases, the sex ratio participating in mating was one female and two or more males. Moreover, in two cases, two males were observed to insert their hemipenes into one female’s cloaca at the same time, which was a unique finding. It was concluded that steppe rat snakes would be highly likely to adopt polyandry, a common mating system of snakes. It will be possible to understand the exact mating system of steppe rat snakes by conducting behavioral genetic studies on them.

Body size and predator cues structure variation in defensive displays of Neotropical calico snakes (Oxyrhopus spp.)

AbstractInteractions between predator and prey are fundamental drivers of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Behavioral responses are one of the most common strategies that prey species use to deter predation, especially through highly stereotyped defensive displays. However, these displays are also predicted to show strong context‐dependence, in which individuals can dynamically employ different display elements as a function of their own characteristics (e.g., age and sex) or those of the predator (e.g., type of predator). In this study, we experimentally tested for the effects of four simulated predator cues on defensive displays in two species of South American calico snakes (genus Oxyrhopus). We found that juvenile snakes were both more likely to respond and to respond more strongly than adults and that displays were most common in response to tactile stimuli than to other treatments. However, we also found broad similarity across both simulated predator treatments and species in the components used in each snake's defensive display, suggesting a high degree of stereotyping. This research suggests an important role for both ontogeny and intensity of predation risk in structuring variation in defensive behavior in Neotropical snakes and emphasizes the foundational importance of context dependence in conceptual frameworks for understanding predator–prey interactions.

KAOTİK YILAN OPTİMİZE EDİCİ

Metaheuristic algorithms provide approximate or optimal solutions for optimization problems in a 
 reasonable time. With this feature, metaheuristic algorithms have become an impressive research area 
 for solving difficult optimization problems. Snake Optimizer is a population-based metaheuristic 
 algorithm inspired by the mating behavior of snakes. In this study, different chaotic maps were 
 integrated into the parameters of the algorithm instead of random number sequences to improve the 
 performance of Snake Optimizer, and Snake Optimizer variants using four different chaotic mappings 
 were proposed. The performances of these proposed variants for eight different chaotic maps were 
 examined on classical and CEC2019 test functions. The results revealed that the proposed algorithms 
 contribute to the improvement of Snake Optimizer performance. In the comparison with the literature, 
 the proposed Chaotic Snake Optimizer algorithm found the best mean values in many functions and 
 took second place among the algorithms. As a result of the tests, Chaotic Snake Optimizer has been 
 shown to be a promising, successful, and preferable algorithm.

Arboreality in blindsnakes (Typhlopidae) and threadsnakes (Leptotyphlopidae) from Hispaniola

Scolecophidian snakes, which include the blind and thread snakes (Miralles et al. 2018), usually have fossorial or ground-dwelling life styles, although some are known to climb rocks or vegetation. Das and Wallach (1998) reviewed cases of arboreality in this group, and additional records have been published since (Bazzano 2007; Murphy et al. 2016; Harrington et al. 2018; Kraus 2017; Repp 2019; de Fraga and de Carvalho 2022). The natural history of these snakes on Caribbean islands is poorly known. Henderson and Powell (2009) compiled natural history information on Caribbean herpetofauna in which definite climbing behavior is mentioned only for three species of Typhlopidae. According to the current zoogeographical definition of the Caribbean region (Hedges et al. 2019), records of arboreality in scolecophidian species can be expanded. The new addition is for the leptotyphlopid Epictia tenella (Klauber), which was recorded 1.5 m high in a tangle of lianas lying against a trunk (Murphy et al. 2016). For Typhlopidae, Antillotyphlops catapontus (Thomas) was found climbing into big carton nests of termites (Lazell 2006), A. richardii (Duméril and Bibron) was found 1.5 m high in a tree (Metopium toxiferum; Tolson and Campbell 1989), and Typhlops lumbricalis Linnaeus was found 1 m above the ground in a rotting petiole base still attached to a fan palm (Schwartz and Henderson 1991). Arboreal or climbing behavior in scolecophidian snakes occurs when the snakes follow chemical cues left by their prey, which consist usually of ants and termites (Gehlbach et al. 1971; Webb and Shine 1992). Here, I report observations of scolecophidian snakes from Hispaniola that were actively exposed on plants or found within epiphytes in trees. Additionally, I include one observation on the diurnal activity of a leptotyphlopid snake. These records appear to be the first for any Hispaniolan scolecophidian. Specimens were collected and deposited in the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Eugenio de Jesus Marcano (MNHNSD) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Snake-Efficient Feature Selection-Based Framework for Precise Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to impairment of the kidneys that may worsen over time. Early detection of CKD is crucial for saving millions of lives. As a result, several studies are currently focused on developing computer-aided systems to detect CKD in its early stages. Manual screening is time-consuming and subject to personal judgment. Therefore, methods based on machine learning (ML) and automatic feature selection are used to support graders. The goal of feature selection is to identify the most relevant and informative subset of features in a given dataset. This approach helps mitigate the curse of dimensionality, reduce dimensionality, and enhance model performance. The use of natural-inspired optimization algorithms has been widely adopted to develop appropriate representations of complex problems by conducting a blackbox optimization process without explicitly formulating mathematical formulations. Recently, snake optimization algorithms have been developed to identify optimal or near-optimal solutions to difficult problems by mimicking the behavior of snakes during hunting. The objective of this paper is to develop a novel snake-optimized framework named CKD-SO for CKD data analysis. To select and classify the most suitable medical data, five machine learning algorithms are deployed, along with the snake optimization (SO) algorithm, to create an extremely accurate prediction of kidney and liver disease. The end result is a model that can detect CKD with 99.7% accuracy. These results contribute to our understanding of the medical data preparation pipeline. Furthermore, implementing this method will enable health systems to achieve effective CKD prevention by providing early interventions that reduce the high burden of CKD-related diseases and mortality.

The Association Between Ambient Temperature and Snakebite in Georgia, USA: A Case-Crossover Study.

The World Health Organization has identified snakebite envenoming as a highest priority neglected tropical disease, yet there is a dearth of epidemiologic research on environmental risk factors, including outdoor temperature. Temperature may affect snakebites through human behavior or snake behavior; snakes are ectotherms, meaning outdoor temperatures influence their internal body temperature and thus their behavior. Here we investigate the relationship between short-term temperature and snakebites in Georgia, one of the most biodiverse US states in terms of herpetofauna. We acquired emergency department (ED) visit data for Georgia between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2020. Visits for venomous and non-venomous snakebites were identified using diagnosis codes. For comparison, we also considered visits for non-snake (e.g., insects, spiders, scorpions) envenomation. Daily meteorology from the Daymet 1km product was linked to patient residential ZIP codes. We applied a case-crossover design to estimate associations of daily maximum temperature and snakebite ED visits. During the 7-year study period, there were 3,908 visits for venomous snakebites, 1,124 visits for non-venomous bites and 65,187 visits for non-snake envenomation. Across the entire period, a 1°C increase in same-day maximum temperature was associated with a 5.6% (95%CI: 4.0-7.3) increase in the odds of venomous snakebite and a 5.8% (95%CI: 3.0-8.8) increase in non-venomous snakebite. Associations were strongest in the spring. We also observed a positive and significant (p<0.05) association for non-snake envenomation, albeit slightly smaller and more consistent across seasons compared to those for snakebites.

When food fights back: skull morphology and feeding behavior of centipede-eating snakes.

Feeding is a complex process that involves an integrated response of multiple functional systems. Animals evolve phenotypic integration of complex morphological traits to covary and maximize performance of feeding behaviors. Specialization, such as feeding on dangerous prey, can further shape the integration of behavior and morphology as traits are expected to evolve and maintain function in parallel. Feeding on centipedes, with their powerful forcipules that pinch and inject venom, has evolved multiple times within snakes, including the genus Tantilla. However, the behavioral and morphological adaptations used to consume this dangerous prey are poorly understood. By studying snakes with varying degrees of dietary specialization we can test the integration of diet, morphology, and behavior to better understand the evolution of consuming difficult prey. We studied prey preference and feeding behavior of Tantilla using the flat-headed snake (T. gracilis) and the crowned snake (T. coronata) which differ in the percentage of centipedes in their diet. We then quantified cranial anatomy using geometric morphometric data from CT scans. To test prey preference, we offered multiple types of prey and recorded snake behavior. Both species of snakes showed interest in multiple prey types, but only struck or consumed centipedes. To subdue centipedes, crowned snakes used coiling and holding (envenomation) immediately after striking, while flat-headed snakes used the novel behavior of pausing and holding onto centipedes for a prolonged time prior to completion of swallowing. Each skull element differed in shape after removing the effects of size, position, and orientation. The rear fang was larger in crowned snakes, but the mechanical advantage of the lower jaw was greater in flat-headed snakes. Our results suggest that the integration of behavioral and morphological adaptations is important for the success of subduing and consuming dangerous prey.

Sound garden: How snakes respond to airborne and groundborne sounds.

Evidence suggests that snakes can hear, but how snakes naturally respond to sound is still unclear. We conducted 304 controlled experiment trials on 19 snakes across five genera in a sound-proof room (4.9 x 4.9 m) at 27ºC, observing the effects of three sounds on individual snake behavior, compared to controls. We quantified eight snake behaviors (body movement, body freezing, head-flicks, tongue-flicks, hissing, periscoping, head fixation, lower jaw drop) in response to three sounds, which were filtered pink-noise within the following frequency ranges: 0-150Hz (sound 1, which produced ground vibrations, as measured by an accelerometer), 150-300Hz (sound 2, which did not produced ground vibrations), 300-450Hz (sound 3, which did not produced ground vibrations). All snake responses were strongly genus dependent. Only one genus (Aspidites, Woma Pythons) significantly increased their probability of movement in response to sound, but three other genera (Acanthophis (Death Adders), Oxyuranus (Taipans), and Pseudonaja (Brown Snakes)) were more likely to move away from sound, signaling potential avoidance behavior. Taipans significantly increased their likelihood of displaying defensive and cautious behaviors in response to sound, but three of the five genera exhibited significantly different types of behaviors in sound trials compared to the control. Our results highlight potential heritable behavioral responses of snakes to sound, clustered within genera. Our study illustrates the behavioral variability among different snake genera, and across sound frequencies, which contributes to our limited understanding of hearing and behavior in snakes.

The association between ambient temperature and snakebites in Georgia, USA: a case-crossover study

Background and aim: The World Health Organization has identified snakebite as a highest priority neglected tropical disease, yet there is a dearth of epidemiologic research on environmental risk factors, including outdoor temperature. Temperature may affect snakebites through human behavior or snake behavior; snakes are ectotherms, meaning outdoor temperatures influence their internal body temperature and thus their behavior. Here we investigate the relationship between short-term temperature and snakebites in Georgia, one of the most biodiverse US states in terms of herpetofauna. Methods: We acquired emergency department visit data for Georgia between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Visits for venomous and non-venomous snakebites were identified using diagnosis codes. For comparison, we also considered visits for non-snake (e.g. insects, spiders, scorpions) envenomation. Daily meteorology from the Daymet 1km product was linked to patient residential ZIP codes. We applied a case-crossover design to estimate associations with maximum temperature. Results: During the five-year study period, there were 2,785 visits for venomous snakebites, 825 visits for non-venomous bites and 48,248 visits for non-snake envenomation. Across the entire period, a one-degree Celsius increase in same-day maximum temperature was associated with a 6.2% (95%CI: 4.0-8.5) increase in the odds of venomous snakebite and a 7.4% (95%CI: 3.5-11.4) increase in non-venomous snakebite. Associations were most robust in the spring and fall, particularly for venomous snakebites. We also observed a positive and significant association for non-snake envenomation, albeit slightly weaker and more consistent across seasons compared to those for snakebites. Conclusions: Our study indicates an association between outdoor temperature and snakebites in Georgia. The results suggest that climate change could alter snakebite patterns in the future; however, impacts are likely to be dependent on the local climate and snake ecology (amongst other factors). Keywords: temperature, heat, morbidity, snake, climate change, one health, planetary health

Virtual Expeditions Facilitated by Open Source Solutions Broaden Student Participation in Natural History Research.

From its genesis in the Victorian era as an activity for the elite to today's emphasis on "Big Data" and continuous monitoring, natural history has a prominent role in scientific discoveries for many fields. However, participation in field expeditions is limited by funding, space, accessibility, and safety constraints. Others have detailed the active exclusion of minoritized groups from field expeditions and harm/discrimination faced by the few who do participate, but we provide one solution to broaden opportunities for participation in natural history: Virtual Expeditions. Virtual Expeditions are broadly defined as open source, web-facilitated research activities designed to analyze bulk-collected digital data from field expeditions that require visual human interpretation. We show two examples here of their use: an independent research-based analysis of snake behavior and a course-based identification of invertebrate species. We present a guide to their appropriate design, facilitation, and evaluation to result in research grade data. We highlight the importance of open source technology to allow for longevity in methodology and appropriate quality control measures necessary for projects that include dozens of researchers over multiple years. In this perspective, we specifically emphasize the prominent role that open source technology plays in making these experiences feasible and scalable. Even without explicit design as broadening participation endeavors, Virtual Expeditions allow for more inclusive participation of early career researchers with specific participatory limitations. Not only are Virtual Expeditions integral to the large-scale analysis necessary for field expeditions that generate impossibly enormous datasets, but they can also be effective facilitators of inclusivity in natural history research.

Should I stay or should I go: escape behaviour of Russell’s vipers, Daboia russelii (Shaw &amp; Nodder, 1797) in India’s agricultural landscapes

Abstract Predation exerts a strong selective force on prey, and hence prey species have evolved a multitude of ways to escape predation. One strategy by which many mobile species escape predation is by fleeing when approached by predators. However, fleeing too early can have fitness costs. Thus, optimal escape theory suggests that escape behaviour in prey depends on the risk of being eaten and the fleeing costs. Several studies on mammals, birds and lizards lend support to this hypothesis. However, few studies have explored escape behaviour in snakes. Here, using radio telemetry to track snakes in the field, we study the escape behaviour in Russell’s vipers, a highly venomous and cryptic snake, responsible for the highest number of snakebite deaths in India. We show that escape response, i.e., the decision to stay or flee, was influenced by intrinsic factors such as the snake’s behaviour and body temperature. We also show that the flight initiation distance, the distance at which the snake flees, was mostly determined by habitat selection, i.e., the visibility of the snake and the distance to the nearest cover. Overall, we show that different factors could determine the decision to flee and when to flee. We also highlight how understanding escape response in such highly venomous, medically important yet secretive snakes could potentially help reduce human-snake encounters and mitigate the snakebite crisis.

Phylogeny of Courtship and Male-male Combat Behavior in Snakes: An Updated Analysis

To elucidate phylogenetic patterns in courtship and male-male combat (MMC) behaviors in snakes, I plotted behavioral characters (BCs) onto phylogenetic trees of snakes. For courtship, I plotted 33 BCs onto a phylogenetic tree of 155 snake species in 12 families. For MMC, I plotted 21 BCs onto a phylogenetic tree of 128 snake species in 11 families. For courtship, results suggest the following. Spur Contact and Spur Movement are ancestral for the clade Pythonidae+Boidae and were present as early as the Paleocene Epoch. The Jerk, Chin-Rub, and Dorsal Advance are ancestral for the clade Endoglyptodonta and were present by the late Oligocene. A coital Bite was added in the colubrid clade Zamenis+Lampropeltini by the early Miocene. For MMC, results suggest the following. The Coil, Hook, Type 2 Head Raise, and Downward Push are ancestral for the clade Afrophidia and were present by the early Paleocene. The Type 1 Head Raise replaced the Type 2 Head Raise in Micrurus by the mid-Miocene and in the Lampropeltini by the early Miocene. In the Lampropeltini, Body Bowing was added and Pinning the Head replaced the Type 2 Head Raise by the early Miocene. In addition to written literature, this study utilized a large amount of documentation in the form of video footage on YouTube. For many species, the footage documents behaviors that were unrecorded in the written literature. The results demonstrate that social media can be a highly useful data source in the scientific study of animal behavior.

Snakes’ commodification within the fashion system

In the early 2000s a snake would appear as a prop in a live music performance, catalyzing a “trend” of live snakes as accessories which persists today on runways, red carpets, and on pages of fashion magazines. Around the same time, luxury fashion brands were selling out of snakeskin clothing and accessories, a trend which maintains popularity today. This paper applies a critical animal studies lens and insights from snake behavior literature to consider how live snakes are used in fashion performances and how they may be stressed by these environments. This article also discusses snakeskin as a distinct form of accessory which glamorizes and appraises snake death. Whether they appear alive or dead, the snake’s nonconsensual appearance on a runway, red carpet, or stage as a superfluous accessory trivializes and passivizes the snake. Surprisingly, such arguments find opposition from influential global conservation organizations, and the role of the luxury fashion industry is a controversial talking point in snake conservation.