You’re enjoying the evening breeze in your California backyard when you notice something dark and scaly slithering up a tree branch, Startled, you take a second look — and catch a glimpse of an ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. Snakes are typically regarded as land-dwelling creatures.

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Snakes don’t have arms and legs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t climb. While not all of these slithering reptiles climb, the ones ...

Climbing: It’s an activity performed by adventure-seekers at parks and gyms, mountain goats in the Rockies and, sometimes, snakes. To avoid getting too close to the slithering reptiles, only looking ...

Rat snakes and rough green snakes can climb trees, fences and walls, often to find food. Venomous copperheads rarely climb due to their heavy, thick bodies. Snakes climb more easily on textured ...