A team of Virginia Tech scientists has cracked the mystery of how snakes ‘fly.’
According to CNN, study lead author Isaac Yeaton said the team started out with a basic understanding of undulation.
They discovered undulation stabilizes the glide, stops the snake from tumbling, and allows them to cover more horizontal distance.
The researchers carried out indoor experiments with live snakes at Virginia Tech and also developed a computational model.
The next stage for researchers is to observe snakes jumping from trees – or gliding – outdoors.
We have a visceral response to snakes. Then the idea that this animal can then fly is very unsettling to people. Isaac Yeaton, Team Leader Virginia Tech
