Don’t let a snake’s slimy appearance fool you. Snake scales are dry and smooth. Scales on the body and head are like a natural suit of armor (which a snake sheds in one piece periodically throughout its life). Snakes evolved without legs, so they glide on the scales of their bellies to get around. Their scales are also nearly waterproof and help to keep the water out. Rough belly scales allow the snake to keep their grip on rough branches and to push off of surfaces when they need to move.
Scales are made up of layers of cells stacked one on top of the other. The outer cells are dead and protect the living ones underneath them. A few times every year a snake will shed a layer of dead skin. The cells underneath are then ready to take over as the outer layer.
Picture Credit : Google
