Garter snake Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) shedding its skin. (more) Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Do-Snakes-Shed-Their-Skin Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot As snakes grow, their skin does not grow with them. Instead, they periodically shed their outer layer of skin to accommodate their increasing size. This process, known as molting, or ecdysis, involves the formation of a new layer of skin beneath the old one. Once the new skin is ready, the old skin becomes loose and is eventually shed. This shedding process is crucial for the snake’s growth and overall health, as it allows the snake to maintain a fresh, functional skin layer. Shedding also plays a vital role in maintaining the snake’s health by removing parasites, such as mites, ...(100 of 219 words)

　　Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!