The memo discusses preventing the unnecessary persecution of snakes in South Carolina. It notes that many people fear snakes due to misinformation rather than the fact that most snakes are not dangerous. It provides tips for safely coexisting with snakes, such as being aware of one's surroundings outdoors and not provoking snakes. The memo also explains how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes based on physical attributes. It argues that snakes should not be killed since they are important for ecosystems and even help control pest populations. The memo recommends an education campaign by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to inform the public about snake safety and the benefits of snakes.
The memo discusses preventing the unnecessary persecution of snakes in South Carolina. It notes that many people fear snakes due to misinformation rather than the fact that most snakes are not dangerous. It provides tips for safely coexisting with snakes, such as being aware of one's surroundings outdoors and not provoking snakes. The memo also explains how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes based on physical attributes. It argues that snakes should not be killed since they are important for ecosystems and even help control pest populations. The memo recommends an education campaign by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to inform the public about snake safety and the benefits of snakes.
The memo discusses preventing the unnecessary persecution of snakes in South Carolina. It notes that many people fear snakes due to misinformation rather than the fact that most snakes are not dangerous. It provides tips for safely coexisting with snakes, such as being aware of one's surroundings outdoors and not provoking snakes. The memo also explains how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes based on physical attributes. It argues that snakes should not be killed since they are important for ecosystems and even help control pest populations. The memo recommends an education campaign by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to inform the public about snake safety and the benefits of snakes.
The memo discusses preventing the unnecessary persecution of snakes in South Carolina. It notes that many people fear snakes due to misinformation rather than the fact that most snakes are not dangerous. It provides tips for safely coexisting with snakes, such as being aware of one's surroundings outdoors and not provoking snakes. The memo also explains how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes based on physical attributes. It argues that snakes should not be killed since they are important for ecosystems and even help control pest populations. The memo recommends an education campaign by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to inform the public about snake safety and the benefits of snakes.
From: Conor Joye Subject: Unnecessary Persecution of Snakes Distribution List: SC DNR Public Outreach Team
This memo reviews information that could help to prevent the persecution of snakes native to South Carolina. Due to horror stories of venomous snake bites, negative portrayals of snakes in pop culture, and misinformation, many people throughout South Carolina and the world have a fear and/or hatred of snakes. This has resulted in people unnecessarily killing them, which causes problems for native snake populations and the function of the beautiful ecosystems that we have in South Carolina. Most snake species do not pose serious threats to humans and the species that do typically only strike humans in self-defense. This memo will discuss safety around snakes, how to differentiate venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes, and why snakes should be valued by humans.
Summary Contrary to popular belief, most snake species are not dangerous to humans and rarely strike humans unless they feel threatened or are provoked. It is possible for humans and snakes to coexist if humans take safety precautions to avoid snake bites. When outdoors it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to have a flashlight when walking at night as snakes are often active on warm nights. Also, if you encounter a snake, give it the right of way. If you attempt to pick it up or kill it, it could strike you. It is also important to be aware how to differentiate venomous and non-venomous snakes. Venomous snakes often have vertical or elliptical pupils, a triangular shaped head with pits, and are very colorful or have distinct patterns. Non-venomous snakes usually have circular pupils, a rounded head, and a less colorful or distinct pattern on its body. People should refrain from killing snakes as they play a very important role in ecosystems in South Carolina and around the world. Many snake species are significant parts of food webs and help to maintain balance in ecosystems. Also, snakes provide the service of pest control to humans and can help diminish unwanted rodent and insect populations.
Avoiding Snake-Human Conflict and Reducing Snake Persecution
Safety Around Snakes It is key to take safety precautions when in areas where snakes may be present. Many snake bites that occur are caused by human carelessness. When outdoors it is important to be conscious of your surroundings and have a flashlight when outdoors at night. Always watch where you step or put your hands. Also, it is helpful to avoid walking through tall and thick grasses without protection for your legs and feet. If you do encounter a snake, the safest thing to do is to keep a safe distance and let it pass. Do not walk near it, attempt to pick it up, or attempt to kill it. Snakes are very unlikely to strike when unprovoked.
Differentiating Venomous and Non-venomous Snakes
Many people fear snakes because they assume that they are venomous and capable of harming them. However, most snakes are not venomous, and it is easy to differentiate a venomous snake from a non-venomous snake. Venomous snakes typically have an elliptical pupil, a pit near their nostril that helps with prey detection, elongated fangs, and a triangular head. Non- venomous snakes typically have a round eye and pupil, no pit, smaller teeth, and a rounded head. If you encounter a venomous snake, keep your distance, and do not harass it. Venomous snakes rarely strike humans without being provoked. Being aware of these differences can prevent you or others from being harmed by venomous snakes and can also prevent snakes from being needlessly killed.
Figure 1: Guide to differentiating
venomous and non-venomous snakes
Snakes Provide Benefits to Ecosystems and Humans
Snakes rarely get credit for the pivotal role that they play in ecosystems around the world. They help to create balance in ecosystems and a decline in snake abundance would be a detriment to the natural world. Snakes are both a predator and prey for many species. Many mammals, birds, and even other snakes rely on snakes for nutrition. Also, larger snakes help to prevent populations of other species from getting out of control. Snakes are helpful to humans as well because they help to control pest populations. Many snakes feed on rodents and insects that can cause harm to humans and property damage.
Conclusion Snakes are feared and hated by many people in South Carolina and the world. However, this is largely due to misinformation. Most snake species are harmless to humans when left unprovoked. When outdoors, it is extremely important to be aware of your environment to prevent an encounter with a snake. If an encounter occurs, a conflict can be prevented if the snake is not further encroached. Also, it is important to be able to differentiate venomous and non-venomous snakes in the event of a snake encounter. Being able to accurately assess the danger of the situation could save your life as well as the snake’s. Despite popular belief, snakes are very important to our ecosystems and even keep pest populations under control. Snake persecution is unnecessary and harmful to our environment. By educating yourself and taking proper precautions, snake persecution can be ended, and snake-human conflicts can be reduced.
Recommendation I recommend that the SC DNR run a campaign to better inform the public on snake safety and the benefits that snakes provide to the natural world and to humans. It is the SC DNR’s duty to prevent unnecessary harm and killing of wildlife. I recommend that the SC DNR use social media as its primary tool to educate the public. This includes platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. With a better educated public, snake persecution and snake bites should heavily decrease. I also recommend that the SC DNR survey residents of South Carolina using online ads and mailed questionnaires before and after this campaign is run. This could help to get a better sense of attitudes towards snakes throughout the state and how effective the campaign was. Knowing if the campaign was effective could also help the SC DNR to improve their public outreach and social media strategies in the future. References
Buck, W. by A. (2022, January 29). Venomous vs non-venomous snake: What's the difference? AZ Animals. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://a-z-animals.com/blog/venomous-vs- non-venomous-snake/
The DOS and don'ts of snake safety. www.army.mil. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://www.army.mil/article/235084/the_dos_and_donts_of_snake_safety#:~:text=Snakes %20like%20to%20crawl%20along,are%20protected%20on%20one%20side.&text=Avoid %20wandering%20around%20in%20the,are%20active%20on%20warm%20nights.&text= Never%20try%20to%20pick%20up,even%20if%20it%20is%20dead.
Why snakes? Save The Snakes. (2022, February 1). Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://savethesnakes.org/why-snakes/
