The sense of smell is important for the snake in locating its food. The snake's body feels soft and dry when touched. Its body can be easily injured if held too tightly. The body is covered with scales joined together to form plates. Snakes hunt a wide variety of animals.
Some smaller species eat worms.
Larger species rely on frogs, toads, and salamanders. Still other species eat birds and mice. In turn, snakes are an important food for animals higher in the food chain. Enemies include raccoons, skunks, hawks, and other predatory birds. In winter, snakes seek shelter from the cold weather.