Combine theoretical modelling, friction measurements and observations of serpentine slithering. Together, they show that snakes are in effect just taking a walk even when moving at high speed.
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Clark, A., Summers, A. Serpentine steps. Nature 459, 919–920 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/459919a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/459919a