Debunking Snake Myths: The Honest Truth About Our Scaly Friends

Australia’s reputation for having some of the most fearsome creatures on Earth is legendary. From crocodiles that lurk in the rivers to spiders that hide in the shadows, it’s easy to think our beautiful country is a non-stop adventure in survival. But what danger do our reptiles really pose on our day-to-day lives?

Here’s a little secret: statistics indicate that you’re far more likely to be offed by a horse (or a common ladder, for that matter) than a crocodile. Crocs, in fact, are to blame for less than one fatality on average a year, while snakebites account for less than two. In truth, reptiles present a positively miniscule threat to our wellbeing, but there’s many a myth to the contrary. Let’s set the record straight and debunk some snake myths once and for all.

Myth 1: Snakes are Aggressive

Reality: Snakes are inoffensive and prefer to flee from conflict.

The idea of an aggressive snake waiting to ambush an unsuspecting human is a classic tale. But the truth is, snakes are more flight than bite. Australian snakes are incredibly shy. As far as they’re concerned, we are the predators, so their first instinct is to flee when humans venture near. Biting is a last-resort defence, and it’s something they’d rather avoid, preferring to save their valuable venom for a meal. They don’t defend territories, guard their young, or even squabble over food—they simply don’t have inherently aggressive tendencies in their nature.

Myth 2: Snakes are Slimy

Reality: Snake skin is dry and silky smooth.

One of the most persistent beliefs is that snakes are slimy and wet to the touch. The opposite is true! A snake’s skin is dry and smooth, covered in hard scales made of keratin, the same material as your fingernails. This scaly armour helps them retain moisture and move across various surfaces. If you were ever to have the chance to touch a snake with a professional handler present, you would discover they feel wonderfully smooth and clean.

Myth 3: Snakes Unhinge Their Jaws

Reality: A snake’s jaws are connected by stretchy, elastic ligaments.

While it looks like a snake’s mouth can unhinge entirely to swallow something large, it’s actually an even more fascinating adaptation. Their lower jaw is made of two separate bones connected by an incredibly stretchy, elastic ligament. This allows the two sides of the jaw to move independently and stretch incredibly wide—just enough to swallow their dinner whole! It’s a jaw-dropping ability (pun intended) that’s a marvel of nature.

Myth 4: Snakes Have a Grudge and Seek Revenge

Reality: Snakes don’t have the capacity for complex emotion, memory, or revenge.

The mythical hoop snake and the tale of a revenge-seeking tiger snake’s mate are classic examples of this widespread belief. But snakes operate on instinct, not emotion. They don’t have the mental capacity to concoct plans of attack or hold a grudge against a person. The actions you see are purely a reflection of their survival instincts—fleeing from a threat, or defending themselves when cornered.

Myth 5: Snakes Don’t Matter

Reality: Snakes are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem.

Some people believe that snakes are pests with no real purpose. But these often-misunderstood creatures are a crucial component of our natural world. They play an essential role in controlling pest populations, particularly rodents like mice and rats. Without snakes, these pests could overrun our ecosystems and cause widespread damage to crops and property.

The Real Danger: Believing the Myths

These tall tales might seem harmless, but they can lead to dangerous situations. The majority of snake bites occur because people try to kill, handle, or interact with a snake out of fear based on a myth. Believing these myths puts not only you at risk but also the wildlife.

How to Coexist with Snakes

The golden rule is simple: leave them alone.

• Stay calm and still if you see a snake. It will likely move away on its own.
• Give it a wide berth and let it pass.
• Never, ever try to handle, catch, or kill a snake. The vast majority of bites happen when people attempt this.
• Keep your backyard tidy. Removing piles of wood, rubbish, or other debris will reduce hiding spots.

The more we understand our slithering neighbours, the less we have to fear them. Their world is far more fascinating than any of the myths we have created.