Snakes are among the most misunderstood animals, and misinformation about them often spreads faster than facts. From believing they actively chase humans to assuming they’re unable to climb into apartment buildings, many common myths create unnecessary fear and sometimes even lead to harm to harmless species. Wildlife experts point out that understanding snake behaviour is one of the best ways to stay safe while also protecting these ecologically important reptiles. Here are six widespread snake myths that deserve to be left behind.
Myth – Snakes cannot reach high-rise buildings
A large number of people think that snakes live only on the floor level and in garden zones. The thing is that there are many species which can easily climb up trees, walls, pipes, drain lines and other building surfaces. These animals occasionally enter higher stories looking for food and protection or pursuing rodents. Such cases happen rarely but do not mean that snakes want to go into houses.
Myth – All snakes are venomous
Another myth that needs to be explained is that not all snakes are venomous. As a matter of fact, only a small percentage of snakes in the world have medically significant venom. Many species are non-venomous and they play an important role in rodent control. In addition, snake bites are usually defensive rather than intentional. Knowing how to identify local snakes and avoiding any interactions is much better than treating all snakes as venomous.
Myth – Snakes chase people
It happens that people claim that snakes chase them, but this situation can be explained by wildlife experts quite easily. The main fact is that snakes prefer to run away from people rather than attack them. There may be a situation when a scared snake moves in the same direction as a person due to the fact that it tries to find a place to hide.
Myth – Snakes drink milk
For many years, people believed that snakes can drink milk, but there is no any scientific evidence. It is known that snakes are carnivorous reptiles that feed on prey including rodents, birds, frogs, eggs and many other small animals. Snakes do not need milk in any way and they are not able to digest it. It may happen that a dehydrated snake drinks a little bit of the offered milk if it is thirsty, but water is the only proper drink.
Myth – Baby snakes are harmless
Many people wrongly suppose that baby snakes are less dangerous than adult snakes due to their size. Actually, venomous baby snakes can still bite and inject their venom. Though the amount of venom injected by the bite varies in different species, baby snakes should not be touched or handled. All unidentified snakes, regardless of their size and age, should be left alone.
Myth –
Killing a snake is considered by many people to be the best option, but it poses additional danger for people. Trying to attack or catch a snake increases the risk of being bitten. The thing is that all snakes give ecological services and keep away rats, mice, and other pests. Wildlife organisations advise to stay at a certain distance and calling snake rescuers if a snake appears in a house or at work
