With the days getting hotter and the nights shorter, we find ourselves in the midst of snake season once again.
With their return, so too comes a wave of social media posts showcasing the grim aftermath of encounters with these misunderstood creatures — snakes met with the blunt end of a shovel, lifeless and battered.
The prevailing attitude that “the only good snake is a dead snake” reflects a deep-seated fear which doesn’t have to define our relationship with these animals.
Snakes are seen as villains in our culture, but in reality, they are an essential part of our ecosystem, serving as natural vermin exterminators.
They help control populations of pests like mice, providing a valuable service without needing a human hand. Instead of viewing them as slithery assassins, we should recognise snakes are simply trying to survive in their natural habitat — just like us.
Educating ourselves and our children about snake behaviour is crucial and we need to replace fear with understanding.
“Freeze like a tree, and let them slither free” is one motto teaching kids to pause, rather than react.
Snake bites often occur when people attempt to pick up or kill snakes.
Despite the widespread fear of these reptiles, the reality is that snake bites are not as common as one might think, especially given the sheer number of snakes in our environment.
So, as we step into another snake season, let’s shift the narrative.
Let’s promote awareness, understanding and respect for these the slithering ones, and instead of resorting to violence out of fear, let’s choose education and compassion.
