Why do snakes shed their skin? (5th B grade)

Why do snakes shed their skin?

by pupils of 5thB

Snakes shed their skin because of 2 reasons:

• The snake's skin doesn't grow as the animal grows.
• To remove parasites attached to their old skin.

This video shows a snake changing its skin:

Basil Sheds His Skin from Mitch Chapman on Vimeo.

  

How often do they shed skin? 

Well, it depends on the age and the species. 

• Younger snakes usually shed their skin every 2 weeks, because they are actively growing.
• Older snakes usually shed their skin twice (2 times) a year.