GeoBeats Science's video: Scientists discover bizarre new snake lasso locomotion for climbing trees

Julie Savidge: Only four major types of snake locomotion have been recognized for nearly 100 years. And we've discovered a fifth. In this locomotion, the snake forms a loop like a lasso around the cylinder with its body. The loop of the lasso squeezes the cylinder to generate friction and prevent slipping. The snake has little sideways bends within the loop of lasso that allow it to move upwards by shifting the location of each bend. It looks like it's wiggling its body upwards. Snakes move very slowly and it appears to take a lot of energy, as you can see snakes pause and breathe heavily. This locomotion allows this snake to climb larger, smooth cylinders or in its native range, smooth bark trees than any other type of locomotion.