The strength of a snake!

Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus)

When looking at this picture I am always amazed by the strength of this snake. I am not talking about strangulation, but about how this Emerald tree boa uses all his muscles to keep him balanced on a vine. No legs, no claws, …. nothing extra but only his muscle. Fascinating!

Snakes are gracious movers. Either on the ground, on the water or in a tree …. they move with ease to their next destination. Somehow this intrigued me a lot. I mean … just think about it. Snakes feel at home everywhere and even without any legs, claws or fins, they still move gracefully at any level. 

Their whole body is just one massive (or in some cases … tiny) muscle. I have gathered some samples to show you how strong these reptiles are. 

Emerald Palm snake (Philodryas viridissimus)

This Emerald Palm Snake (Philodryas viridissimus) was just balancing on this small stick while also looking straight into the camera. 

This Red-tailed Boa (Boa constrictor constrictor) has been spotted several times near the lodge. A harmless snake and also respected by every one working at the lodge. After a photo session it is always released in the jungle. As you can see in the photo: all the muscles are working together. And it appears that the tail is also a crucial factor for him while balancing his whole body. (Same goes for all the other snakes)

Red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor)

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) strangling and drowning a caiman

The Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is seen here strangling its prey, a caiman. As you can tell by its 'blushing' head the snake was using a lot of strength during this battle. What amazes me is that during such a battle the snake always keeps its tight grip the whole time … without moving a muscle. 

Slender tree boa (Corallus hortulanus)

This Slender tree boa (Corallus hortulanus) uses its tail to 'hang' on, even on a hot day it doesn't weaken its grip at all.


This Olive whip snake (Chironius fuscus fuscus) was spotted during a mountain hike. It supposedly wanted to climb in a tree but somehow ended up 'walking' on a tight rope. Even without any hands or feet it still managed to keep its balance. 

Olive Whip Snake (Chironius fuscus fuscus)

Somehow I am mesmerized by this 'pose' of the Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus). It was in a resting position, but at the same time all of its body muscles were working too. This one was seen hanging around on a single vine at 3 meters high.

 I am kind of curious to know how this snake can possibly rest/sleep and at the same time uses all its muscles to stay up that high and in that position. 

Sometimes I wonder if they ever strain a muscle during their act. I guess that in the jungle it is all about survival of the fittest. So you better keep hanging on.

Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus)

You may also like the following posts:

Green Anaconda

Slender tree boa

Red-tailed boa