Cut several cardboard tubes into equal-sized sections (rings). Paint the rings in your desired "snake skin" pattern.

For actual pet snakes, cardboard tubes (like those from paper towels) are often used as cheap, disposable enrichment:

Thread the rings onto a long piece of string or yarn, knotting them at each end to keep them together while allowing for "slithering" movement.

: Cardboard is porous and can harbor bacteria if it gets wet or soiled; it should be replaced frequently during cleaning. Stipple Shading Tattoo Illustration Photoshop Tutorial

: Ensure the tube is wide enough so the snake cannot get stuck. For larger snakes like adult ball pythons , you may need wider PVC tubes (minimum 5 inches in diameter).

You can create a flexible, articulated snake using simple household materials:

: Tubes provide excellent "burrow-like" hiding spots for smaller species like garter snakes .