Snake Body Language!

While I was drawing wildlife animals on my SGV map illustration - I kept being reminded of this one project that I had started last year in 2025, Year of the Snake.

Although I am one year late, I am pleased to finally share SNAKE BODY LANGUAGE, a new infographic that is free to download!

Download Snake Body Language here

Thank you so much to Lori Torrini, snake rescuer, and animal behavior and welfare educator at BehaviorEducation.org, for spending the time to chat with me, and send me photos and videos to help with this illustration project. I learned a lot. 

In one of our conversations, Lori told me that sadly, many people who are "into snakes" treat them like collectible objects rather than as the sentient living individuals that they are. Pet snakes are often touched, picked up, and moved around without their consent. In captivity, snakes are often denied agency and enrichment that is important to their species.

Snakes that hiss or strike are frequently misunderstood as vicious, when in reality, they have been put in a situation that distresses and terrifies them.  A snake who feels unsafe needs space and distance from the thing that scares them.

I recommend following Lori Torrini's YouTube channel and website for more information on how to be kinder to snakes.  

Another online resource for caring for snakes is Reptifiles.com

Other animal body language illustrations I have worked on can be found on this page (with links to client websites). Also check out my Doggie Language and Kitty Language books.