Why do snakes turn on their backs when they die?

Question

My husband's Desert King snake died in the middle of the night and she was on her back. I couldn't find any info when I googled it. She also had never bit anyone, but twice in the last 2 months she bit my husband. Was this a sign that she was getting ready to die? He had her for about 15 years, and she was over 40 years old (she was 2 feet longer than they usually get)

For uromastyx that are wild caught, it is almost impossible to determine age. Currently it is beleived that these animals can live to be 30+ years old in captivity, growing continuously until death, though at a much slower rate after the first few years

Answer 1

ya it was probably a sign that they would die when it started to bite, it was probably in pain and knew it was going to die and might just wanted to be alone. but when they die i think it's a defence thing, they go on there backs when preditors in the wild and fake dead to make the enemy to lose intrest, and so that may be a reason why your snake died on it's back.

Answer 2

I had a ball python for many years & two king snakes that are still alive. Sam (the python) died a couple years ago, but he didn't roll onto his back. He died in his usual resting position, curled around his favorite rock & underneath the dome of the bark cover. He never did get cranky, nor did he bite me in the weeks & months before he died, so I'm not sure about how to answer your question exactly.

The fact that your snake bit your husband might have been a sign of distress, but that's not necessarily the case. Remember how easy it is to slip into those 'stupid human tricks' without even realizing it? Maybe she scented something on him, or maybe she was startled, or perhaps it hurt her to be picked up (if there was something medically wrong)

I think that there's not so much a generalization of where & how any particular species dies, but I think it's about the individual personalities of each animal just like it is with humans.

I'm sorry for your loss. I know you'll miss her just like I miss Sam. You've had her a long time & she lived to a ripe old age which means that you took very good care of her & no matter what else, I'm sure that many people would do well to learn responsibility and dedication when dealing with their pets.

Answer 3

No, it isn't usual for any snake to roll over on to it's back to die. Some snakes will roll on to their back & play dead to avoid a predator(hognose snakes for one). Are you sure this snake was 40+yrs old? That's a little hard to believe seeing as the record for longevity for a snake is 21yrs. If this is true, you might consider donating her body for research.

Answer 4

I also keep snakes (Ball python, corn snakes). The only snake of mine that has died so far was a ribbon snake and he didn't roll on his back. Perhaps this is specific to king snakes or particular to your snake.

Answer 5

i think to be more dramtic...