Snake handler busts snake myths

Snakes have always been a creature that causes fear, and because of that, they are persecuted. They are being killed in large numbers, and this is going to dent the health of the food chain, affecting the whole environment which we depend on. But this can change.

READ: Don’t be alarmed when you notice a Spotted Bush Snake

“Snakes are one of the most misunderstood reptiles on Earth. They really aren’t the sinister and aggressive reptiles that they’re made out to be,” said Nick Evans of the KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.  To help you overcome your fear of snakes, Evans  has revealed some truth about snakes:

Why are we scared of snakes?

It all comes down to a lack of education really. We don’t learn much about snakes and their behaviour in school etc. We hear of scary stories from family members and friends, which they may have heard from someone else. These stories are often false, or over-exaggerated. Also, some TV shows and movies like Anaconda may cause people to be even more scared of snakes!

“I like to say that snakes are not dangerous. By that I mean they will not chase or attack you, they really do not want to be anywhere near you. Snakes are defensive. If you give them a reason to bite you, they may well do so, and their bites can be considered dangerous,” said Evans.

Some snakes do possess potent venom which can easily kill a man, should one not go to a hospital. But they do not want to waste their venom on us, or risk their life by biting us. Hence they will always flee rather than fight, if given the chance.

A few popular myths busted

• Snakes move in pairs, and so if you kill one snake, you must burn the body so that its partner does not hunt you down. False! Snakes are solitary animals, they don’t move in pairs or hunt together. They also do not care for each other like us humans care for one another (sometimes!). In the mating season, they do of course pair up. But they don’t usually stick together for very long.

• If you see a baby snake, its mother will be close-by. False! When a female snake lays her eggs, or gives birth, she will not guard and protect them (there are one or two exceptions). She moves off soon after the process, in search of food. So if you see a baby snake around your house, don’t start worrying about its mother! As mentioned, snakes are solitary, so this also means that siblings don’t stick together.

• The Black Mamba is different to other snakes, they will chase/attack you, especially if cornered. False! Black Mambas are extremely nervous and shy snakes. If they sense a human approaching, they will flee at a speed. I often remove them from homes, and often have them cornered. Not once has one come charging at me.

What if I get bitten?

If bitten by a snake, one needs to seek medical attention urgently. Going to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible should be a priority. Try not to panic and move too much. Either get driven by someone with a driver’s license, or call an ambulance. Please do not try to catch or kill the snake for the doctors to identify it. Symptoms will indicate what venom group and species may be responsible. Most people who are bitten by venomous snakes, and get to a hospital, survive.

One does not need to live in fear of snakes, nor do you have to hate or love them. Loving them is fine, but the main thing is that you treat snakes with respect. Remember, if you leave it alone it will leave you alone, it wants nothing to do with you.

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