Snake Myths
It’s summertime, and snakes could be anywhere. People are more likely to run into snakes during this time of the year, because they’re outside more. And, of course, snakes are out more, also.
Most of us have grown up hearing sayings about snakes that have been passed on from generation to generation. Many of these sayings are snake myths. Of course, everyone swears they’re true, but in reality they aren’t.
Here are a few of them.
Snakes Chase People. Snakes actually are more interested in getting away from you when you happen upon them in the wild. Just like people, snakes can get surprised or awakened suddenly by someone walking close to them. When this happens, the snake will look for the fastest way to get out of there. This may be toward you. Thus, the myth that snakes chase people is reinforced.
Like most snake myths, this one is partially true. The Central American bushmaster will aggressively chase people. Fortunately, this snake is located in Panama and some other Central American countries.
Snakes Are Blind In The Hottest Part Of The Summer. This is one of the snake myths that has persisted, but is not true. Possibly the myth got its start with snakes that are either getting ready to shed their skin or are in the process of doing so. At this time, the protective scales that protect their eyes may get loose prior to shedding and interfere with their vision. The snake’s eyes may look bluish-gray in color.
Mother Snakes Must Be Avoided. There’s no need to be concerned about mother snakes because there is only one type of snake that shows mothering behavior. The African Rock Python appears to show mothering behavior when she curls around her clutch of eggs to protect them. She will protect them aggressively until they hatch.
Almost all other snakes abandon their eggs as soon as they’re laid. If they bear live babies, the young snakes go off on their own almost immediately. The babies are well able to take care of themselves from birth. This is another of the snake myths that simply isn’t true.
Mother Snakes Protect Their Young In Their Mouths. Even though this is one of the snake myths that is believed by so many people, it simply isn’t true. The myth typically goes like this: If the young snakes are threatened, mother opens her mouth and the young rush into her mouth for protection. Interestingly, this is only reported with live-bearing snakes.
In fact, this was likely started when someone came upon a mother snake eating her young who were either still-born or unable to survive. Bearing young snakes live is very hard physically on the mother. She needs all the nourishment she can get. The young snakes who do not survive are looked at as a food source.
Whether mythical or actual, if you have snakes in or around your house, you want the best professional to get rid of them for you. Heath’s Wildlife Service provides 24 hour emergency and long-term nuisance wildlife solutions for your home or business with a focus on customer service, mutual trust, and ongoing support and information. Chris Heath will give you a no-obligation, free estimate for removing pests from your home. If he doesn’t remove the pests you have, he can direct you to someone who can. Call 855-422-0434 or 603-664-0513.