Don’t Fear - Protect Nature’s Silent Guardians

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 Every year on July 16, snakes finally take the spotlight. World Snake Day offers a chance to challenge fear and superstition, and take a closer look at one of nature’s most mysterious and misunderstood creatures.


From ancient mythology to modern conservation, snakes continue to fascinate and frighten - but they deserve our respect, not fear. This year’s theme, “Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians,” urges compassion, awareness, and responsible coexistence.


Why World Snake Day Matters

World Snake Day is more than just a celebration — it’s a global awareness campaign. It aims to:

  • Showcase the diversity, beauty, and ecological value of snakes.

  • Dispel myths and misinformation that often lead to unnecessary killings.

  • Encourage protection of habitats and discourage harmful human-snake interactions.

Across the globe, conservation groups use this day to run educational campaigns, share rescue stories, and highlight issues like snake cruelty in viral videos and the exotic pet trade, where thousands of snakes suffer due to poor care and ignorance.


5 Incredible Facts About Snakes

Here are some fascinating facts that highlight how unique and important snakes truly are:

  1. There are over 3,500 species of snakes, about 600 of them are venomous, and around 200 can seriously harm humans.

  2. Snakes use their forked tongue to detect chemical signals in the air — a built-in GPS for food and danger.

  3. Snakes shed their skin once a month, allowing them to grow and remove parasites.

  4. A snake’s lower jaw can stretch wide enough to swallow prey 75–100% larger than its head.

  5. Sadly, 75% of snakes kept as pets die within a year due to poor conditions, and breeding in captivity often leads to deformities.

    Ecological Role of Snakes

    Snakes aren’t just scary — they are vital to our ecosystems:

    • They act as natural pest controllers, preying on rats, insects, and small mammals.

    • By keeping rodent populations in check, snakes protect crops and reduce disease risk.

    • They serve as prey for birds, mammals, and other reptiles, helping maintain balance.

    In countries like India, where over 300 species of snakes exist, their ecological role is especially critical in agriculture and forest ecosystems.

    Fear of snakes is often rooted in myths and misinformation. Let’s clear up a few common ones:

    • Myth: Snakes drink milk.
      Fact: Snakes cannot digest milk. If extremely dehydrated, they may drink any liquid, but milk harms them.

    • Myth: Cobras mate with rat snakes.
      Fact: Snakes only mate within their own species.

    • Myth: Some snakes have a gem called “Nagamani” in their head.
      Fact: There is no scientific evidence of this; it’s a myth popularized by films and folklore.

    Such beliefs often lead to cruelty, wrongful killings, or capture for profit and rituals. World Snake Day challenges us to learn, not fear.

    India and the “Big Four” Venomous Snakes

    India records the highest number of snakebite deaths globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 90% of bites are from four species:

    1. Indian Cobra

    2. Common Krait

    3. Russell’s Viper

    4. Saw-scaled Viper

    Most bites occur in rural areas due to a lack of awareness and safety measures.


    Snake Safety Tips for Communities

    Living near snakes doesn’t have to be dangerous. Here’s how you can stay safe:

    • Leave snakes alone — they usually attack only when provoked.

    • Check before touching bushes or wood piles.

    • Carry a flashlight when walking outside at night.

    • Maintain clean surroundings to avoid attracting rodents (and thus, snakes).

    • Clear leaf litter and debris around homes and paths.

      What To Do in Case of a Snake Bite

      If bitten, immediate action is critical. Here’s what you should do:

      1. Stay Calm – Avoid panic to slow venom spread.

      2. Move Away from the Snake – Don’t provoke it further.

      3. Call for Emergency Help – Reach the nearest hospital immediately.

      4. Immobilize the Affected Area – Keep it still and below heart level.

      5. Do NOT cut, suck, or apply ice to the bite.

        Final Thoughts

        Snakes have been on Earth for over 100 million years, surviving mass extinctions and adapting to nearly every environment. Yet today, they face threats from humans more than nature.

        World Snake Day reminds us that conservation starts with knowledge and empathy. If we want to protect the planet’s biodiversity, we must protect its most misunderstood residents too — the snakes.