Why do snakes hiss and what does it mean?

If you were to describe a snake, many people would mention its flicking forked tongue and the hissing sound it makes. This hiss is widely recognised by anyone who handles pet snakes such as the corn snake or the king snake in the UK.

The hiss is a distinctly threatening sound and its reputation is so well known that various animals, including cats, have evolved to mimic that hiss as a warning to predators.

If you’re a new snake owner or curious, this article explains why snakes hiss, how they produce the sound, and what it signifies in their behaviour and mood.

1. How do snakes make the hissing sound?

Snakes have a unique anatomy markedly different from mammals. An essential feature is their glottis, a small organ located just behind the tongue, which serves as their breathing passage.

When a snake breathes out normally, the glottis opens to let air pass silently. However, when the snake forcefully exhales, a piece of cartilage within the glottis vibrates, creating the hissing sound. Contrary to popular belief, the tongue is not involved in producing the hiss.

This hissing mechanism is purely a physical process — air rapidly moving through a small opening vibrates the cartilage, similar to how a whistle works.

2. Do all snakes hiss?

Physiologically, all snakes have the ability to hiss because their mouth and throat anatomy is consistent across species. Nonetheless, not all snakes choose to hiss often, as behaviour varies widely between species and individuals.

In the UK, common pet snakes like corn snakes and king snakes will hiss when disturbed or threatened, but more substantial snakes or highly venomous species tend to hiss less frequently. Large snakes rely more on their size as a protective deterrent.

3. What does a hiss mean when you hear it?

Usually, a hiss is a deliberate warning used to deter threats. Much like a dog’s growl, it indicates the snake feels uncomfortable, afraid, or ready to defend itself.

Snakes prefer avoiding confrontation. Therefore, a hiss generally means they feel cornered, startled, or stressed and want to warn you to back off. This means hissing is a clear behavioural cue signalling that the snake needs space.

4. Are snakes communicating with each other by hissing?

Snakes are predominantly solitary animals. They lack vocal communication and do not hiss to 'speak' with other snakes.

While snakes may gather temporarily for breeding or hibernation, hissing directed at another snake is almost always a warning or threat, not a friendly signal.

5. Why do pet snakes hiss and what should you do?

If your pet snake hisses when you try to handle it or interact with its enclosure, it is signalling discomfort or fear.

It’s vital to respect this and avoid forcing contact, which can cause stress or lead to defensive biting. Acclimatising your snake to handling through gentle, consistent interaction helps reduce hissing over time.

Remember, unlike cats or dogs, snakes do not require physical affection and are best handled with understanding and care.

6. Additional defensive behaviours snakes use

Besides hissing, snakes employ various tactics to deter threats. Cobras flare their hoods, rattlesnakes shake their rattles, and others may lunge or adopt a striking posture.

Many snakes can also release a musky scent when frightened as another deterrent layered alongside hissing.

7. Responsible pet ownership for snakes

Owning a snake requires respect for their natural behaviours and comfort zones. Provide an appropriate habitat, regular health checks, and minimise stress.

Engage with reputable breeders or pet sellers, such as those offering corn snake puppies or king snake breeders in the UK, to ensure healthy animals and ethical practices.

As always, never provoke or force interactions with your snake and learn to read their warning signals, like hissing, to maintain a safe and positive relationship.

Summary

Snakes hiss by forcing air through their glottis, producing a warning sound to deter threats. All snakes can hiss, but frequency varies by species and temperament. Hissing means the snake feels threatened or stressed and prefers to avoid confrontation. It is not a form of communication between snakes. Pet snakes hiss to warn humans to keep their distance, and owners should respect this behaviour to prevent stress or defensive biting.

By understanding this natural behaviour and acting responsibly, snake owners can foster safe, respectful interactions that protect both snake and handler.