In fact, even though the dead rattlesnake pictured appeared taller than the man extending it, further inspection revealed that it was merely an optical illusion created by clever photography.

Repeated E-mails

This same e-mail has appeared on our computers several times in the past four years from different people, accompanied by photos to “prove” the claims. Other e-mails also circulate announcing equally false allegations, but many recipients are willing to believe embellished whoppers such as these primarily out of fear and ignorance.

Rattlesnake Exaggeration

Another e-mail declaring that a king snake in Arizona was eating a Goanna lizard (monitor lizard) was accompanied by pictures to “prove” it. The fact that a Goanna lizard is found in Australia, not in the U.S., red-flagged this as a fake. And the “king snake” in the picture was eventually identified correctly as a black-headed python, a species also native to Australia.

Distortions Vs Facts

Those who feel justified in believing outlandish claims often will not consider evidence or statistics demonstrating actual snake behavior and facts. For some reason, it’s easier to believe distortions and exaggerations presented in these messages, in movies, and in the media in general.

One way to confirm rumors and falsehoods is to log onto:  www.Snopes.com.

For more legends about snakes, log onto:

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/snakes/Animal_Folklore_Snakes.htm.

Verify

Verify snake tales that appear bizarre and incredible. They could be misleading merely as a joke to cause a stir!

-All snakes are carnivorous (meat eaters).  No cow would allow it, and snakes lack the ability to suck.

Snakes are slimy.

-They are soft and dry, but may appear “slimy” if wet or if they have recently shed their skin and appear shiny.

A hoop snake rolls down hills with its tail in its mouth.

-There is no such thing as a hoop snake.

Snakes have venomous stingers on their tails.

-Venomous snakes deliver their venom through their fangs.

Snakes are charmed by music.

-Snakes react to movement, not sound.

Rattlers must coil before striking.

-A snake can strike from any position.

Rattlesnakes add a new segment to their rattle each year.

-Rattlesnakes add a new segment after shedding their skin.  This may happen several times a year, depending on the age of the snake.

When snakes are killed, they wriggle.

-Recently killed snakes may wriggle for some time, even if its head has been removed.  This is due to reflex actions. 

All venomous snakes have triangular heads

-In North America, most venomous snakes (pit vipers) have triangular heads shaped by the venom glands.  However the coral snake, a relative of the cobras, possesses a round, smooth head.

Snakes will chase you

-Snakes are defensive.  Most snakes try to escape if possible; some will hold their ground. A snake may appear to “chase” a person if it is trying to escape harm and actually flees in the direction of that person.

Babies are more dangerous than adults

-The jury is still out on this comment.  While baby snakes may lack the ability to meter out the proper quantity of venom to subdue its prey, giving a full dose injection, some scientists have concluded that in order to survive the coming winter, the venom should be more toxic to assure a good meal.

Rattlesnakes always rattle a warning before they strike.

-In many instances there’s not time to deliver a defensive bite with adequate warning. One example would be stepping on a sleeping snake.  It would bite first and then rattle.

Snakes cannot strike under water.

-Aquatic snakes eat mostly fish and frogs.  If they couldn’t strike under water, they would starve.

A mother snake swallows her young when confronted by danger, and later regurgitates them.

-Some snakes eat other snakes, including the young of their own or other species.  Parental care is not common with snakes.  Anything swallowed is digested.

Rattlesnakes sting with their tongue.

-The primary use of a snake’s tongue is to smell.  The tongue is not used for stinging at all.

Rattlesnakes lick their prey before swallowing.

-After biting and injecting venom, rattlesnakes locate their prey by smelling with their tongue.  They identify the prey they have bitten by tongue flicking on that prey.