As the new year approaches, many of us think about starting over with a clean slate. There are some animals at the nature center that accept this idea, but it has nothing to do with the day or season. Reptiles or amphibians shed their skin in preparation for a new start.
Although snakes are most famous for this process, all animals shed their skin, including us! People shed millions of skin cells every day, but they are too small to see. If you touch your arm and notice a little bit of “dust” coming out from under your fingernails, that’s our version of shedding.
But reptiles and amphibians often shed very large pieces of their skin, which is why they are clearly visible. This process, called molting, is a natural part of their life cycle and allows them to continue growing. It is also a way to destroy any harmful pests. The exception to this rule is turtles, which shed their skin like humans.
Many reptiles (reptiles and amphibians) eat their home because this outer layer is full of nutrients. The casting process can take from a few days to a few weeks. At this time, animals usually stop eating, so binge eating can be a way to keep the digestive system working.
When an animal is in its growth cycle, molting can occur from a few times a year to several times a month. For many reptiles, not many noticeable changes occur during this process. However, when snakes are ready to molt, they turn pale, meaning their entire body turns a milky blue color. Their eyes are pale because they have scales instead of eyelashes. This change in color is due to the accumulation of fluid between the old and new layers of skin. The snake then twists its head upward to make an incision in the old skin, starting at the mouth and moving down the body. The snake then sheds its old skin and is ready to wear a new coat.
Next time you visit the nature center, watch for signs of discharge. These snakes may include a milk snake, a small anole with shed skin, or a translucent prop floating in the hell's habitat. As you enter the new year, take a leaf out of the book: ditch the old and embrace the new!
Find out more at wildwnc.org.
This article originally appeared in the Herald Journal: Nature Center Notes: A New Beginning for New Skin