Snakes That Soar

Paradise Tree Snake

If the average American were to see a snake glide through the air, most people would wet their trousers. However, being the snake lover that I am, I am intrigued by this 'Flying Snake'. The most 'advanced' of these flying snakes- that's right, there're more than one- has the scientific name, Chrysopelea paradisi, also known as the 'Paradise Flying Snake'. How does it fly? Glad you asked. First, the snake slithers its way up a tall tree and anchors itself to a tree branch. With the muscles in its tail, it launches itself from the tree. Some have been know to jump up to 21 meters! It then flattens its body like a kite and jumps through the air from tree branches. Oh, but that's not all!

Paradise Tree Snake in flight

It also whips its tail back and forth in the air in an 'S' shape. I seriously encourage you to watch these snakes in action; there are no words to describe what they can do! These snakes have unusually amazing eye sight for snakes. If you were to see it in Singapore (its natural habitat), it would look like any other chubby snake. I suppose that's why you can't judge a book by its cover! :) Luckily, these snakes are not endangered and quite common. So if you want to take a trip to good'ol Singapore, your chances of seeing one are rather decent. 
Article link: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/when-snakes-fly