See a Massive Snake Slither Through an Electric Fence and Accidently Touch the Wrong Wire

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Written by Kirstin Harrington

Updated: November 10, 2023

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A rustic wooden fence at the edge of Cherry Creek Nature Preserve on the outskirts of Bozeman, Montana
© Leigh Anne Meeks/Shutterstock.com

There are a myriad of reasons why someone may put up an electric fence. Perhaps you’re trying to keep animals in. On the other hand, you may be trying to keep other creatures out. 

Many wild animals understand to stay away from fences in general.

Let’s take a look at what happens when a snake slithers around as it scales an electric fence.

What appears to be a rat snake is climbing up an electric fence and as it gets to the top, an electric force suddenly stuns the creature. The snake looks around as if it’s questioning what just happened. 

This rat snake is determined and doesn’t let one little shock get him down. The serpent shakes it off and starts making his way toward the top of the fence once again. Does the snake learn from getting shot the second time? Nope! 

Instead, the slithering creature continues to try to scale the fence. We aren’t sure whether we should be impressed with its determination or shake our heads at the snake not learning the first time.

Take a look at the comments on the video. They’re equally as entertaining! 

Are Rat Snakes Good Climbers?

Green snake wildlife climbing coconut palm tree

Green snakes make climbing trees look easy.

©ARZTSAMUI/Shutterstock.com

Snakes can climb very well. They are capable of surviving in the wild thanks to their ability to scale trees and cliffs.  However, this ability also allows snakes to ascend walls as well as other building materials. 

In addition to fences, these slippery serpents can scale brick as well as stone walls. They cram their bodies into the gaps between the bricks and propel themselves forward with the help of their powerful abdominal muscles. 

Snakes that move quickly and are slender are especially skilled at climbing. They do find it challenging to scale smooth walls.

Is it Normal Behavior for Snakes to Touch Electric Fences?

Brightly colored Arizona Mountain Kingsnake, Lampropeltis pyromelana, a Coral Snake mimic, coiled in its habitat

Snakes don’t normally crawl through electric fences, but it can happen.

©Matt Jeppson/Shutterstock.com

While it is not typical behavior to find snakes attached to electric fences, it does and can happen. Mostly it seems to be accidental or mistaken for a tree.

Electrical lines are dangerous for snakes and other crawling, hanging, or climbing animals. Snakes might end up on power lines while looking for food. Using electric fencing isn’t a good idea to keep snakes away.

Electric fences need the animal to be grounded when touching the wire to work, and this doesn’t always happen with snakes. If you do decide to use a fence to keep snakes out, it’s important to regularly maintain your snake fence to increase the chances of it working.

How Large Do Snakes Get On Average?

titanoboa

The

Titanoboa

is the largest snake species ever found.

©Daniel Eskridge/Shutterstock.com

While snake sizes greatly on species, pythons and anacondas are the lengthiest types. Typically, both of these species reach lengths of around 24 feet, although some exceptional instances have been recorded growing up to 26-29 feet.

Referred to as Titanoboa cerrejonensis by scientists, this creature holds the title of the largest snake ever to have existed. Its remarkable size alone could captivate even the most seasoned fossil enthusiast, but the implications of its existence reach beyond fascination.

They could offer insights into the Earth’s historical life patterns and potentially shed light on future developments.

Do Electric Fences Work on Snakes?

rough green snake hiding in plants

Because of its green and yellow coloring, rough green snakes are able to blend in easily with plant life.

©iStock.com/Shoemcfly

Perhaps you see this video and may think that an electric fence could help you keep snakes out of your yard. The electrical charge in the majority of snake fences easily dissuades the creatures, driving them out of your space. The fence offers a secure, long-term remedy to snake incursions on your property. 

A collection of individual units that release an electric charge that scares and deters animals like snakes, bunnies, moles, and foxes. is found in an electric fence. An efficient and sensitive technique to keep unwanted animals off your property is to use an electric fence.

If you reside in a region where snakes are common, installing an electric snake fence will help protect the lives of your family members and pets. Check out the shocking video below to see just how determined one silly rat snake can be! 


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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