Snakes

can snakes yawn


Can Snakes Yawn?

Snakes are mysterious and often feared creatures, but can they yawn like humans? Let’s explore the answer to this common curiosity.

What is Yawning?

Yawning is defined as an involuntary act of opening one’s mouth and inhaling deeply in order to take in a large amount of air. It is believed that yawning helps to regulate brain temperature and alertness.

Do Snakes Yawn?

Yes, snakes do yawn, but not in the same way as humans. A research team from the University of Florida observed ninety-seven different species of snakes in the gopher tortoise burrows and observed the “gaping” behavior in many of those species. The researchers found that the snakes yawned by unhinging their skulls, which allowed them to take in larger gulps of air.

Why Do Snakes Yawn?

Snakes yawn for two main reasons:

  • Regulating Temperature: Yawning helps to regulate a snake’s core body temperature. By taking in a large gulp of air, the snake’s body can absorb the heat or coolness from the air, depending on what it needs
  • Stress Reduction: Researchers believes that yawning can reduce stress for snakes. Yawning helps to reduce stress in humans too, making this an interesting behavior for reptiles to share in common with us

Conclusion

So, can snakes yawn? The answer is yes. Though it looks slightly different than human yawning, snakes yawn to regulate their body temperature and reduce stress.

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