Snakes have long been the subject of myths and misunderstandings, many of which have fueled unnecessary fear. Whether it’s old folklore passed down through generations or misinformation spread online, these myths continue to shape how people view these fascinating creatures. If you’re new to herping, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Let’s break down some of the most common snake myths and uncover the truth.

#1 Myth: Snakes chase people

Snakes are always trying to escape humans and they don’t have anything to gain by chasing. Humans are not their prey so there is nothing enticing about them to chase.

#2 Myth: Snakes always travel in pairs and if you kill its partner, it will come after you

Snakes will only be in the same place during courtship and mating season. They also don’t have any bond or memory to recognize and remember an attacker.  

#3 Myth: Snakes are deaf

While snakes don’t have eardrums they do have inner ears and are able to hear ground vibrations and some low frequency sounds. 

#4 Myth: A bowl of milk will attract snakes 

Locals once believed that snakes slithering into barns were sneaking a drink straight from cows’ udders. This myth likely grew from spotting snakes in search of rodents, their actual prey. In reality, snakes can’t digest dairy, and even if they could, it’s doubtful a cow would stand still for such an encounter. Thus, on a herping tour it’s not worth it to try enticing them this way!

#5 Myth: The Hoop Snake chaser hoax 

There is a myth that if a mud snake is sun bathing and becomes disturbed, the snake will bite its tail forming into a hoop and roll down the hill after the person that bothered them. This myth sounds like a fun and interesting idea but there is no snake that actually does this.

#6 Myth: Snakes are cold and slimy

While they are cold-blooded, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are cold to the touch. They’re also dry depending on the environment they reside in. You can typically expect snakes to be warm and soft to the touch.

#7 Myth: Snakes are poisonous 

Truthfully, snakes are not poisonous, some are venomous. If we are going to get technical, poisons have to be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin and venom has to be injected into the bloodstream. With either, it can be fatal.

#8 Myth: While feeding, snakes dislocate their jaws

Snakes have flexible ligaments that join the bones to the lower jaw, hence they don’t have the same jaw fusion as humans. This allows them to expand their mouth a significant amount more than we could. So it comes down to flexibility not dislocation.

#9 Myth: Rattlesnakes always add one rattle a year

Rattlesnakes only add a rattle when they shed and this can happen several times a year. Their rattles can also break off at any point so counting their rattles isn’t a way to estimate a snake’s age.

 Myths and misconceptions have painted them as dangerous or mysterious villains, but the truth is much more fascinating and far less frightening. By separating fact from fiction, we can better understand their behaviors and appreciate their role in the ecosystem.