“These foul and loathsome animals…”
Aruba Island rattlesnake
So wrote Carolus Linnaeus in his description of reptiles in his Systema Naturae published in 1735. In fact, throughout much of human history, snakes have been among the most maligned and persecuted groups of animals.
The unreasonable fear of snakes is quite prevalent in our society and myths and misconceptions abound whenever snakes are brought up in conversation. The general public conception is that snakes are the “enemy” and should be killed on sight. It has been estimated that over 50% of our population exhibit some anxiety or nervousness in the presence of snakes while another 20% are terrified, some to the point where even a picture of a snake can cause severe distress (Werler and Dixon, 2000). Psychologists have coined a term to describe this condition (ophidiophobia) and it is considered to be one of the more difficult fears to overcome.
The news media also plays a role in shaping this attitude. Most publicity concerning snakes is of a negative nature. Venomous snakebites often receive extensive local media coverage far beyond the actual threat to human life. Rarely is it pointed out that the chances of death from a venomous snakebite are considerably less than the chances of dying from a lightning strike or from an insect bite (Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of Health).
These fears persist in spite of overwhelming evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, on the important roles that snakes play in a healthy ecosystem. Many scientific articles point to the value of snake species in food chains in temperate and tropical ecosystems. Areas where snakes are removed often display a population explosion of rodents, usually to the detriment of nearby agricultural enterprises. For example, the Chinese news agency has reported that the increased intensive hunting of wild snakes for their meat (which is considered to be a delicacy) and other products used in traditional medicines has resulted in a dramatic increase in the rodent population with devastating consequences for the Chinese farmer.
Canebrake rattlesnake
Out of all snakes, the rattlesnakes probably have received more unjust notoriety and have been persecuted needlessly more than any other group, especially in the United States. It is doubtful that any other animal group is more feared or less understood by the general public. This persecution has reached such a point that, in some states (seven, to be exact), “Rattlesnake Roundups” are a popular fund-raising event for organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce or the Jaycees. The largest of these roundups is held each March in Sweetwater, Texas and shows no sign of diminishing in spite of recent criticism by many private herpetological organizations, various Audubon societies, and by many animal welfare groups.
Slowly, however, the bad reputation that snakes have had is changing, even when rattlesnakes are involved. This can be seen in the ever-increasing numbers of successful herpetological societies that are being established in North America, and also by the increasing popularity of non-venomous snakes as pets.
The Houston Zoo Herpetology Department also is involved in educating people about snakes. Despite the fear that many people feel for snakes, there is, at the same time, a fascination about them and a strong desire to see both non-venomous and venomous snakes up close in a non-threatening environment. This desire is especially strong in the state of Texas, which has more species of snakes (both venomous and non-venomous) than any other state in the Union.
To meet this need, the zoo maintains a large proportion of snakes in its reptile collection. Twenty eight exhibits in the Herpetology building are devoted to venomous snakes of which nine are reserved for different species of rattlesnakes. Sixteen other exhibits are devoted to non-venomous snakes. Over each set of exhibits is a flat-screen monitor which displays a picture of the species, its range, and an interesting fact about the animal.
So, the next time you come to the zoo, be sure to visit the Reptile Building and check out our snakes and learn about this fascinating group of animals!
References:
Werler, John E., and James R. Dixon. 2000. Texas Snakes: Identification, Distribution, and Natural History. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas.
