I remain astonished how much irrational fear and loathing is directed against snakes even in this enlightened age that seems to be dictated by science and reason. Many people still see these legless beings as evil and slippery customers, creatures that are out to get and hurt us. Whilst it is true that many snakes – most noticeably the taipans, brownsnakes, mambas, cobras, (pit)vipers (including rattlesnakes), certain treesnakes, bushmasters, coral snakes and kraits – possess toxins that are perfectly capable of killing, sickening or maiming people, most of these potentially dangerous snakes do what they can to avoid people and will only strike when cornered, handled or threatened. As an avid herpetologist, I can tell you that it often can be quite hard to locate snakes, especially if you are not very familiar with the area in which you are searching. Although snake bites are still a big problem and major cause of death in many remote parts of the world, envenomation doensn’t necessarily have to be fatal anymore in this day and age. Besides that, harmful encounters between man and snake are mostly the result of people encroaching on land that has been snake habitat for a very long time.
Pest control
Although there are quite some venomous species that should be treated and approached with great caution, the vast majority of snakes is totally harmless. Even the really big constrictors (for example anacondas, reticulated pythons, Burmese pythons or African rock pythons) don’t think of humans when the dinner bell rings. In fact, snakes are very useful creatures since they often feed on rodents that have the potential to raid food crops and spread nasty diseases. So having a snake nearby, especially one of the non-venomous type, means that you can make cheap use of an extremely efficient form of natural pest control. Apart from the practical part, snakes are also often the embodiment of natural grace and beauty. Few animals can show off markings or colorful, extremely vivid an variable patterns that can match those of many snakes (check the pictures on this page if you want proof). In terms of biology and ecology, snakes also rank amongst the most interesting animals on Planet Earth. So the next time you encounter a snake, try and treat it with respect. Even better: give the animal a closer glance an read up a little on the subject. After that, you may even be convinced that snakes are not scaly monsters that should be hated, feared, persecuted and killed on sight, but rather magnificent predatory animals, creatures that deserve to be cherished, respected, enjoyed and admired. My personal experience: few things can match the peaceful and easy feeling that accompanies observing a wild snake (in my case mostly an adder or smooth snake) from close range in its natural habitat.
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