Snake myths: DEBUNKED

What REALLY happens to someone who is “chased” by a venomous snake

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If you or someone you know has ever been “chased” by a venomous snake, there’s a reallllllly good chance that you were just standing between the snake and it’s nearest patch of safe habitat.

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When snakes (venomous & nonven.) face a threat, their first reaction is to escape. If they think they can hide from you before you get to them, they’ll readily shoot off into the grass or water. Snakes know you’re bigger & don’t want conflict b/c they know they won’t win.

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If running doesn’t seem possible, they’ll defend themselves w/ intimidation tactics: hissing, rattling, spreading to look bigger. If this fails, they usually make a last-ditch effort to run from you. This is when most people think the snake is literally “chasing” after them (4/6)

The pygmy rattlesnake from first tweet was basking on a road. I coaxed it across the road (w/ proper tools, no handling!) so that it wouldn’t get hit by the next car. It may LOOK like snake is chasing me. The truth: I was standing between it and the grassy roadside habitat (5/6)

Disclaimer: these videos and photos were all captured from a safe distance. I never put myself near enough to be bitten by a venomous snake.

Help snakes, but respect them & be safe about it!

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I’ve already had a few people ask, so let me clarify- this video is NOT sped up! That’s the real speed at which the snake was moving. The speed & erratic movements are natural fleeing behavior