While vocalizations are uncommon in snakes, Dr. Johana Goyes Vallejos and graduate student Christian Perez (Leal lab) have discovered a surprising exception: the Claw-snouted blind snake (Anilios unguirostris).

This small, blind snake, endemic to northern Australia, produces a unique “high-pitched squeak” accompanied by a distinct head movement. Perez, who observed the snake while doing fieldwork in Australia, recorded the snake lifting its head, opening its mouth, and sometimes stopping its body movement while vocalizing. Dr. Goyes’ acoustic analysis revealed that the squeaks contained harmonic elements, adding another layer of complexity to this unusual behavior.  

Their findings, published in Herpetology Notes, shed light on the previously unknown vocal abilities of this fascinating snake species.

For video/audio, see https://youtu.be/LT3g3mq3QiA