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Homescience

Is it true snakes hear with their jaws? Read 10 fun facts

Think snakes are deaf? Think again. These silent predators have a surprising way of sensing sound. Discover 10 fascinating facts about how snakes "hear" and it’s not what you expect.

Sheetal Kumari | July 31, 2025 / 15:48 IST
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Do Snakes Really Hear With Their Jaws? Yes! While they lack ears like ours, snakes detect sound using their jawbones and specialised inner ear structures. (Image: Canva)
Do Snakes Really Hear With Their Jaws? Yes! While they lack ears like ours, snakes detect sound using their jawbones and specialised inner ear structures. (Image: Canva)
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No Ears, No Problem: Snakes have no external ears or openings, but they aren't deaf. They sense sound in a very different way. (Image: Canva)
No Ears, No Problem: Snakes have have no external ears or openings, but they aren't deaf. They sense sound in a very different way. (Image: Canva)
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A Unique Hearing Bone: Instead of three middle ear bones like mammals, snakes use a single bone called the columella to transmit vibrations. (Image: Canva)
A Unique Hearing Bone: Instead of three middle ear bones like mammals, snakes use a single bone called the columella to transmit vibrations. (Image: Canva)
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Jaws on the Ground: When snakes rest their jaws on the ground, they can detect minute surface vibrations from potential prey or predators. (Image: Canva)
Jaws on the Ground: When snakes rest their jaws on the ground, they can detect minute surface vibrations from potential prey or predators. (Image: Canva)
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Hearing in Stereo: A snake’s jaw can move independently on both sides, helping them “hear” directionally through separate jawbone vibrations. (Image: Canva)
Hearing in Stereo: A snake’s jaw can move independently on both sides, helping them “hear” directionally through separate jawbone vibrations. (Image: Canva)
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Airborne Sounds Detected: Recent studies show snakes can detect airborne sounds up to 450Hz, including human speech frequencies. (Image: Canva)
Airborne Sounds Detected: Recent studies show snakes can detect airborne sounds up to 450Hz, including human speech frequencies. (Image: Canva)
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They Might Hear You Talk: Because snakes can pick up frequencies between 80Hz and 300Hz, some researchers think snakes might hear you speak or scream. (Image: Canva)
They Might Hear You Talk: Because snakes can pick up frequencies between 80Hz and 300Hz, some researchers think snakes might hear you speak or scream. (Image: Canva)
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Somatic Hearing: Besides jaws, snakes can sense vibrations through their skin, a method called somatic hearing involving special skin receptors. (Image: Canva)
Somatic Hearing: Besides jaws, snakes can sense vibrations through their skin, a method called somatic hearing involving special skin receptors. (Image: Canva)
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Sensory Superpowers: Depending on the species, these vibration-sensitive receptors cover different parts of the body, aiding in defence and hunting. (Image: Canva)
Sensory Superpowers: Depending on the species, these vibration-sensitive receptors cover different parts of the body, aiding in defence and hunting. (Image: Canva)

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