Debunking 10 Snake Myths & Misconceptions: Shedding Light on the Truth

As there are over 3,000 species of snake in the world and they can be found nearly everywhere except a handful of locations, this reptile is found almost everywhere. Additionally, 600 of those species have venom that has clinical effects on people that may cause harm or cause other forms of harm to itself or others.

Snakes have long fascinated people throughout history; from their camouflaging habits and tendency to burrow underground into small holes to living in crawlspaces or outdoor buildings on properties, these reptiles continue to draw interest and fascination.

Although we know a great deal about snakes, many misconceptions still abound regarding them. Here we dispel 10 of the most widespread misperceptions about them.

1. Snakes Are Aggressive
Queen Snake Side View by Lev Frid of Shutterstock.
Image Credits: Lev Frid and Shutterstock In some ways, this myth might have actually helped people instead of hindering them; by encouraging people to stay away from potentially lethal snakes and be more cautious around any that were seen, it might have helped keep people safe.

Unfortunately, this has likely also resulted in many people killing snakes as a means to control the threat posed by angry, marauding serpents. Most snakes will flee from any large animal such as humans when confronted by them; others may lie still and pretend they’re dead before eventually striking back out when necessary – showing any aggression only rarely when no alternative solution exists.

If you see a snake, give it some space and don’t be alarmed that it might chase or attack. There is no reason for alarm if a snake shows itself to you – they won’t do that without cause!

2. Snakes Are Deaf
This myth was first reported by scientists, although it has since been disproven. Because snakes do not possess ears or eardrums and often don’t react to loud noises, many believed they were deaf and couldn’t hear.

Though snakes do not possess the ability to hear sounds in the same manner that we do, they can feel vibrations through both air and earth. Where humans use tiny bones in their ears for hearing purposes, snakes possess similar structures on either side of their heads that enable them to recognize noises more effectively.

Snakes’ hearing differs drastically from ours, but they can pick up sounds – so they are not deaf.