What are the WORST snake misconceptions of 2023?

One could encounter a snake anywhere, with over 3,000 species, except in a few areas.

Around 600 snake species are venomous and can cause harm to humans.

This reptile’s presence has fascinated people throughout history.

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Despite our knowledge, there are still many snake misconceptions out there.

Let’s debunk 5 of the most common misconceptions.

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1. SEE A BABY SNAKE? THE MOTHER IS NEARBY

It’s a strange misconception that seeing a baby snake means the mother is nearby.

However, snakes do not exhibit maternal or paternal instincts to forage or teach hunting.

In reality, baby snakes are independent from birth and can fend for themselves.

After an initial week of not eating, they venture out to hunt on their own.

2. SNAKE BITES ARE SUCKED OUT

This old myth originated from Western movies but has been debunked.

Snakebites should not be cut or sucked out to prevent venom spread.

Cutting or sucking the bite can worsen the situation by concentrating the venom in one area.

The only effective solution for venomous snakebites is anti-venom when necessary.

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3. THEY HAVE NO BONES

Snakes are vertebrates with a backbone, skull, and jawbone.

Contrary to the misconception, snakes have hundreds of bones.

They have ten times more ribs than humans, with one attached to each vertebra.

The misconception arose due to the snake’s fluid-like movement.

Snake bones are smaller than ours and arranged to enable their unique motion.

4. SNAKES ARE SLIMY

Many people avoid holding snakes because they think they are slimy and disgusting.

However, unlike some amphibians, snakes do not secrete slimy mucus.

A Snake’s skin is completely dry and can be rough or smooth.

Snakes do not have sweat glands and do not produce sweat.

Even water snakes dry off quickly.

5. SNAKES ARE VERY AGGRESSIVE

This myth may have unintentionally helped people by promoting caution around potentially deadly snakes.

However, it also led to the unnecessary killing of snakes as a means of control.

Most snakes will slither away when confronted by a larger animal like a human.

Some may stay still or play dead, but aggression is rare and only when they feel threatened.

If you encounter a snake, give it space and stay out of its way.