Scales & Stigma: Fighting the Misinformation Surrounding Snakes

Maeve Kiley

History of Serpentine Stigma

        Snakes have historically been portrayed as mischievous, dangerous, and sometimes, downright evil. Humans have assigned morality upon an unsuspecting animal due to its physical appearance and biology.

        The most common theory behind human aversion to snakes is due to evolution. Evolutionary scientists suggest many humans have a “genetic phobia” of snakes due to venomous snakes being a common threat to humanity’s ancestors. With little medicine or understanding of snake venom, a snake bite meant instant death to a member of early civilization.

July 16th is World Snake Day. Ssssssscelebrate!

        Cultural conditioning is another factor. In many western cultures, snakes are cast as symbols of evil and temptation. Snakes are associated with deception, with even their name being used as an insult for an untrustworthy individual. Books and movies have greatly exaggerated the danger of snakes and fed into longstanding myths surrounding their behavior, casting them as violent, unpredictable monsters. Whether it be a children’s cartoon or a high-budget thriller, snakes are typecasted as villains.

        From an aesthetic standpoint, it is easy to see how snakes earned their “creepy” title. Snakes do not have arms, legs, or distinct facial expressions such as dogs or cats. Their large eyes are unblinking and they slither instead of crawl or walk. Their physical appearances and movements are incredibly foreign to a human audience and difficult to anthropomorphize. This is why other large, powerful animals such as lions, tigers, and bears receive more empathy than snakes.

        Even though snakes may not be as aesthetically-appealing as dogs or as historically beloved as horses, they are still worthy of life and respect. Snakes do not assign meaning or morality to their actions, they are simply animals acting upon instincts. There are many myths surrounding snakes and each one affects their treatment by humans.

Myth #1: All snakes are dangerous.

        This is the most common myth surrounding snakes.

        In truth, roughly 85% of snakes are harmless to humans. These snakes do not have venom, lack the size to constrict humans, and prey on nothing bigger than rats. Many snakes do not even rely on bites to defend themselves. The Hognose Snake plays dead when threatened while Garter Snakes excrete foul-smelling liquids to make their predators sick.

        Both venomous and nonvenomous snakes do have something in common: they do not purposefully target or prey upon humans unless provoked. Snakes are defensive, not aggressive. Snakes view humans as giant, massive predators (the same way a human might view a dragon) and try to avoid humans at all cost. When snakes feel threatened is when they attack and that is an important distinction for it recontextualizes why snakes behave the way they do.

Myth #2: Snakes stalk humans.

        There is not a single known snake that preys upon humans.

        Although there are instances of humans dying from snake bites or attacks, none of these snakes were intentionally targeting humans. The risk of a hungry snake stalking, targeting, and preying upon a human is biologically unlikely and most stories of these encounters are rooted in common misconceptions involving snake behavior.

        If a snake slithers in a person’s direction, it is often because that person stands in front of their only escape route. Snakes naturally move towards burrows, holes, bushes, small cracks, and anywhere else they can shelter and hide. Some aggressive snakes might try to “buff themselves up” to intimidate humans.

        A common interaction is during lawn maintenance. The vibrations caused by lawnmowers and landscaping tools confuse snakes and lure them to the surface with the promise of moving . food. They are surprised to see giant humans and even bigger machines.

        Snake bites and attacks are usually rooted in misunderstanding or bad luck. Snakes rely on camouflage for survival so if a human is trampling through their territory, it will startle the snake who will quickly decide on flight or fight. If they choose the latter, then a snake bite happens.

        The best way to avoid snake bites is to always be aware of surroundings, avoid hiking through thick vegetation (even if there are no snakes, this is a responsible practice to avoid hurting native species), look before sitting or reaching entry points, and proceed carefully at dusk and dawn when snakes are most active.

Myth #3: Snakes are gross, slimy, and/or dirty.

        The term “slimy snake” is incredibly common, even though it is incredibly false. Snakes are not slimy at all, in fact, they are completely dry.

        Scales are made of keratin (the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails) which gives their skin a firm, smooth texture like a leather belt. Snake skin is often glossy and iridescent which may add to the misconception. Snakes are also confused with other amphibians, such as salamanders and olms, which do have a slimy coating around their bodies.  

Medical Myth #4: You can suck the venom out of snake bites.

        This myth is more about safety than stigma. Snake fangs act like miniature hypodermic needles because they inject venom deep and fast. Snake venom can enter the lymphatic system and bloodstream in mere seconds. Sucking the snake venom out does not help the injured individual for the venom is already in their body.

        The method is not just ineffective, it is dangerous. Human mouths are full of bacteria and placing it atop an open wound introduces foreign bacteria into the already infected wound which can cause severe secondary infections. If the person performing the suction has any cuts, sores, or bleeding gums, then the venom can enter their bloodstream and infect both individuals.

        The best action in this situation is to call emergency services and try to stay still to keep heart rate down.

Behaviors Based in Biology, not Maliciousness

        Snakes, like all animals, do behave in a malicious manner. Animal instincts are based in biology; a system of code built through millions of years of evolution. A lion does not prey upon a gazelle because it is evil, it needs to eat and the gazelle runs because it needs to survive. The circle of life is constructed in a perfectly-balanced manner meant to support all forms of life.

        Snakes are members of that balance. They provide vital ecological benefits such as natural exterminators (keeping local, disease-carrying rodent populations in check) and ecosystem indicators since they are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Snakes also help humans through their venom. Snake venom contains specialized proteins that scientists are researching to develop pharmaceuticals for heart attacks and blood disorders.

        Beyond their benefits, snakes are incredible creatures. They are fast, intelligent, and powerfully efficient. Snakes are anatomically hundreds of muscles stitched together, making their bodies’ resilient and vigorous. This National Snake Day, snakes of all sizes deserve to be acknowledged as the amazing animals they are.

Works Cited:

Do I need to see a doctor after a snake bite? (n.d.-a). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15647-snake-bites

Eight myths about snakes | article | museums victoria. (n.d.-b). https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/8-myths-about-snakes/

Snake Biology | Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. (n.d.-f). https://icwdm.org/species/reptiles/snakes/snake-biology/

Snake | description, facts, & types | britannica. (n.d.-f). https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake

Snakes, facts and information | National Geographic. (n.d.-i). https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1