What do you think it feels like to touch a snake? Do you imagine it to be slimy? Moist? Dry? Scaly?

Snakes are reptiles. They have dry scaly skins made of a strong material a bit like our finger nails. The scales are watertight so that the snake can keep moisture in and so not dry out in the heat. When you touch a snake it feels warm and dry.

All snakes lose their skin on a regular basis, indeed this can happen several times a year. As the snake grows its scaly skin becomes too small for its body. The snake sheds this outer layer, which is thin but strong. Underneath is a new layer which is the same but fits the growing snake. 

Snake skin, like crocodile skin, is often used to make fashion accessories. Snake skin is about half the price of crocodile skin. Normally python or anaconda skins are used. They can be made into handbags, purses, shoes and belts and are at times highly prized and priced. This is the subject of debate and laws exist in many countries to make sure that this does not impact on animals at risk.

You can see the attractive and symmetrical pattern on this skin, showing why it is a beautiful design feature and is often copied as a pattern for use in clothing.