SNAKES AND SILLINESS
The brutal culture of snake killing in the Philippines is often influenced by these 10 ridiculous myths. Let's debunk them and uncover the truth.
Myth #1: All Snakes Are Venomous
This one is as false as a snake with legs. While it's true that some snakes in the Philippines, like cobras and vipers, are venomous, the vast majority of snake species are harmless to humans. In fact, around 70% of all snakes are non-venomous!
Myth #2: Snakes Are Out to Get You
If you've ever watched a suspense movie featuring snakes, you might think that they're intentionally seeking out opportunities to cause harm to people. But that's just Hollywood hogwash! Snakes do not see humans as prey. They're just trying to survive and mind their own business. So, unless you've been mistaken for a juicy mouse, chances are a snake won't be interested in making you its next meal.
Myth #3: Snakes Chase People
This is pure madness! Snakes chasing people? Yeah, right! Snakes have better things to do than playing tag with humans. They're not interested in pursuing you like a paparazzo chasing a celebrity. Snakes move in response to stimuli like heat, scent, and vibrations. So, if you see a snake slithering in your direction, it's probably just passing through or looking for its next snack - and you're not on the menu!
Most snake bites occur when humans unintentionally step on or disturb a snake, and the snake bites in self-defense. So, as long as you give snakes their space and treat them with respect, the chances of getting bitten are extremely slim.
Myth #4: Snakes Are Just Waiting to Bite You
This is a big lie. Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not spend their days plotting ways to sink their fangs into unsuspecting humans. Snakes use their venom as a means of subduing small prey, like rats, not for attacking humans unprovoked.
Myth #5: Snakes Are Aggressive
Snakes are not inherently aggressive towards humans. In fact, all species of snakes found in the Philippines would prefer to avoid confrontation and will only strike in self-defense if they feel threatened or cornered. They would much rather slither away and find a safe place to hide than engage in a boxing match with a human. So, no need to fear that snake in the grass giving you a mean side-eye - it's just hoping you'll go away!
Myth #6: Snakes Are Vengeful
Have you heard the tale of the snake seeking revenge on someone who wronged it? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but snakes don't hold grudges. They don't have the mental capacity for revenge or any ill intentions towards humans. Snakes operate on basic instincts of survival and do what they need to do to stay alive, but plotting revenge is not on their to-do list. So, no need to worry about a snake lurking in the shadows, plotting your downfall for that time you accidentally stepped on its tail.
Myth #7: Dead Snakes Are Harmless
Dead snakes can still pack a surprise! Turns out, dead venomous snakes aren't always as harmless as you'd think. Snakes actually maintain their 'bite reflexes' in the hours after death. One unlucky guy found out the hard way when he was bitten by the decapitated head of a 'dead' venomous snake. Talk about a killer case of mistaken identity!
Myth #8 Snakes Break Into Your Home To Eat You
Are you constantly paranoid about snakes slithering into your home to snack on you? Don't fret! The real target of their appetite is the rats, not you. So, unless you're a rat with an identity crisis, you're in the clear.
Myth #9: Killing Snakes Protects Me, My Family, And The Community
It's a harmful myth. Snakes play a vital role in ecosystems as predators, controlling rodent populations. The vast majority of snakes are harmless and killing them causes a surge in rodent populations, leading to damage to crops and stored grains and a higher risk of disease transmission to humans. Educating communities about the role of snakes in the environment and promoting coexistence is a more effective and sustainable approach to snake conservation.
They said kill snakes, grow more crops. But they left out the part about the rats! Now we’re out of snakes to control the rodents, and they’re ruling our fields!
Myth #10: All Snakebites Are Fatal
Last but not least, this myth needs to be squashed once and for all. Despite what horror movies and nosy neighbors tell you, not all snakebites spell doom. Most snakes are harmless to humans. Learn how to dodge venomous myths and enjoy a good laugh while debunking the fatal fangs fallacy.
MORE ABOUT SNAKES
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Camping in the wilderness of the Philippines offers an opportunity to connect with nature, but it also brings you face to face with the local wildlife, including snakes.
List of Snakes in the Philippines
The Philippines boasts a rich and diverse spectrum of snake species, characterized by unique adaptations and ecological significance. This list contains snake species commonly found in the Philippines, from benign rat snakes to venomous king cobras.
10 Ridiculous Snake Myths That Need To Die
The brutal culture of snake killing in the Philippines is often influenced by these 10 ridiculous myths. Let's debunk them and uncover the truth.
Challenges Of Identifying Snakes
When an average traveller comes across a snake in the wild, they just want to know if it is venomous or not. However, identifying a snake can be tricky due to various factors.
Treatment Centers For Snakebites
The Philippines has several treatment centers for snakebites, offering medical care and antivenom therapy to reduce the risk of serious complications and improve patient outcomes.
First Aid For Snake Bites
Although rare, snake bites can occur unexpectedly while hiking, camping or exploring and if not treated properly, can pose a significant danger.
Preventing Snakebites
The majority of snakes in the Philippines are not venomous, but some species can be dangerous and potentially lethal. Here are some tips to help mitigate the hazard of incurring a snake bite.
Classifying Snake Bites
Not all snake bites are created equal: While some can be dangerous, many are treatable and non-life-threatening.
