Top 10 misconceptions about snakes

Many beliefs and ideas people generally have about these reptiles are factually incorrect. StarMetro clears the air with the help of a herpetofauna enthusiast.PEOPLE often fear what they do not know.

Unlike cute furry animals, snakes often evoke feelings of fear and disgust with its slithery appearance and flickering forked-tongue.

Upon encountering this limbless reptile, most people attempt to kill it because of the popular belief that all snakes are dangerous to humans. In actual fact, only 10% of local snakes are venomous.

Through education and awareness campaigns, one can learn to coexist with these reptiles.

After all, snakes play an important role in the ecosystem by preying on insects and rodents to control the pest population.

StarMetro speaks to the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor branch Herpetofauna Special Interest Group head coordinator Steven Wong, who sheds light about some of the major misconceptions we have about these creatures.

1. Snakes are aggressive

Snakes are aggresive: Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin snake

Snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them. They are generally docile and shy creatures and if given a choice, a snake will flee as fast as possible rather than risk getting injured by striking something 10 or 20 times larger than them and wasting precious venom. Unless cornered or threatened, like any other living thing, snakes will strike to protect itself.

2. Snakes with triangular heads are venomous

This misconception stems from the fact that vipers, which are venomous, have relatively angular heads with sharp snouts that look triangular. The head and jaw structure of most snakes are somewhat triangular but that does not mean they are venomous. For example, snakes under the elapidae family such as cobras, kraits and coral snakes are highly venomous but have blunt snouts. The Oriental Vine Snake, which has a precise angular head, is harmless.

3. Colourful snakes are venomous

Some snakes have bright colours to warn off predators while others have patterned scales to help them camouflage and blend with the environment for protection. However, not all bright-coloured snakes are venomous. Colours portrayed are more for helping to differentiate between male and female. For example, the Monocled Cobra is solid black or brown and the Siamese Pit-Vipers can be plain green but both are very venomous. However, the brightly-coloured Twin-barred Flying Snake is harmless and non-venomous.

4. Sulfur as snake repellant

Using sulfur as a natural snake repellent is common with many people, but there is no scientific evidence to show that this method really works. The best practical way to keep snakes away from your home is to get rid of weeds and clutter as well as gaps or holes, to prevent snakes from hiding. It is also advisable to eradicate a snake’s food source, such as rats and frogs.

5. Snakes are vengeful

There is a saying that if you kill a snake, its mate will take revenge. There is no scientific evidence to show that snakes can recognise faces or even process complex concepts like friendship and vengeance. If the area is a good habitat for snakes, there are probably more than one lurking around. This myth was born when another snake was noticed after one was killed, during snake mating season.

6. Snakes are slimy

Snakes are often associated with slugs and snails which produce slime to ease their movement. Although slithering snakes may look wet because of their shiny skin, they actually have dry scaly skin and do not produce slime. The ventral scales assist in gripping the surface and help the snake move forward.

7. All snakes lay eggs

Although most reptiles lay eggs, not all snakes do. Some snakes, such as the Oriental Vine Snake, give birth to live young (viviparity).

8. Snake-charming

While most people are amused at how snakes move to the music played by snake charmers, the fact is that snakes cannot hear the same way as we do and they are not musically inclined. They actually sway to the movement of the flute. They are excellent at detecting movement, similar to tracking their prey’s movement.

9. Baby snakes are more venomous than adult snakes

An adult snake is capable of emitting a larger portion of venom compared to a younger snake. Studies showed that the activity level of some venom enzymes tend to increase with the size and age. Younger snakes are perceived to be more venomous because generally, they lack the ability to control their venom dosage when they bite. Adults reserve their precious venom, which takes time to produce, to hunt for food.

10. Slit-eyed snakes are venomous

While this method has been taught to identify snakes, it is wrong. Snakes with elliptical pupils, similar to a cat’s eye (slit-eyed), can be harmless and it is vice-versa for those with round pupils. For example, the Mangrove Catsnake is non or less venomous while the Siamese Pit Viper is venomous but both have vertical elliptical pupils. The non-venomous Puff-faced Water Snake and the venomous Sumatran Spitting Cobra both have round pupils.

Herping is the act of looking for herpetofauna – reptiles and amphibians – also known as herps.

The activity takes place at night, when these nocturnal creatures are most active.

Malaysian Nature Society Selangor branch Herpetofauna Special Interest Group head coordinator Steven Wong said, herping helped in understanding more about the habitats and behaviours of these creatures while having the opportunity to have a closer look at them.

StarMetro went on a herping trip with Wong and spotted some amazing night creatures, while listening to some of Wong's experiences.

Here are some tips to take note of when it comes to snakes.

What to do when bitten by a snake:

1) Stay calm. The snakebite might not be venomous. Even if the snake is, it can be a dry bite which is quite common.

2) Try to take a picture of the snake rather than killing it. This will help to identify the snake so the right anti-venom can be administered.

3) Wrap the affected area with a pressure bandage to slow blood flow but not totally restricting the flow as it could damage the limb.

4) Calm the victim down to reduce his or her heart rate.

5) Take victim to the nearest hospital.

What to do during an accidental encounter with a snake:

1) Try to identify if it is venomous and take a picture for further record.

2) The common non-venomous intruder is the Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus) while venomous home intruders are usually the cobra, which will hood up when disturbed, making it easy to identify.

3) For help removing snakes, call 1-800 885 151 (Perhilitan), the Malaysia Civil Defence Department at 03-3371 0820 (Selangor) or 03-2687 1400 (Kuala Lumpur) or 999 (Fire and Rescue Department). For small non-venomous snakes, you may opt to remove it yourself by sweeping it into a dustpan.