A COUPLE COMMON SNAKE DEFENSE MECHANISMS
Like any other creature, snakes need to defend themselves.
While many people think that all snakes are "aggressive," I would seriously beg to differ. Most, in my opinion, are far more defensive than aggressive. From my personal experience, the vast majority of snakes simply try to deter potential threats, rather than actually attacking people. Here are a couple common defense mechanisms.
THE STRIKE!
One of the most common defense mechanisms of many species of snake is the strike, which can include an attempt to bite. Not all snakes that strike actually open their mouths during this technique, so not every species of snake that may strike at you is actually trying to bite you.
For both venomous and nonvenomous snakes alike, striking can be an effective method of deterring potential threats. Unfortunately, some people almost step on snakes without noticing the snake. When the snake sees this as a potential attack, they may strike an unsuspecting person which can lead to the person concluding that they've been attacked by the snake.
THE RATTLESNAKE MIMIC
An impressive number of nonvenomous snakes can actually mimic a rattlesnake. When they feel threatened, they will rapidly shake their tails. The motion itself can be effective, but the tail may also rustle on dry leaves which ends up sounding like a rattlesnake.
I think this form of mimicry is an amazing testimony to the provision of God for all of his creatures, even these little snakes. These nonvenomous snakes obviously don't understand why rattlesnakes have rattles or that rattlesnakes are venomous, but when they feel threatened, that mimic the venomous rattlesnake. Often, it can work, but other times it can lead to their death, as a case of mistaken identity can lead to people thinking snakes that do this are venomous and dangerous.
Anyway, I hope that you learned something. Understanding the world around us and the creatures in it can make everything safer for everyone.
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-defensive-little-snake
Until next time…
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Snakes, snakes.
Not my friendliest of animal.
You really tamed this one and you get pretty easy around it.
Let me say it,
Keep on steemin'
@papa-pepper
I have 2 corn snakes.
The baby 'Cornflake' (named by my son) is a feisty little thing that will strike out at you. The adult snow corn called 'Rufus' is around 5ft long and is as placid as anything... He's a real treat to handle and happily explores the house and garden. He likes to wrap around my neck while I'm writing songs... Maybe he finds it strange of calming, or perhaps its just the body heat he likes 😂.
Hanging out with Sidney the cat
He's so tame and always comes back.
I find snakes and lizards fascinating but am still wary, because, let's be honest here, they're still wild animals that can attack.
Cheers for sharing your knowledge mate.
Darren.
Very beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! They are beautiful creatures.
Growing out the dreads, papa?
Yeah, they are coming back.
I noticed them too.... nice look... changing it up every now and then can be cool.
I actually do think about that too at times, I don't think all the snakes actually love to attack first. But by nature, I don't thing many human even love the presence of snakes at all.
Yes oh. Please help me tell @Papa-pepper, that I so detest snakes that I don't care to know what and why they do things.
I Just caught this one in the back yard a few hours ago, They LOVE this warmer weather.... Have a great one @papa-pepper and stay safe...
Holding him below the Rattle, so it will not break.
I'm beginning to get quite a different view about snakes in the last couple of weeks reading through your blog. There's this love you have for snake which I have never seen maybe because of where I am.
This is a great fact to know, as I was reading I saw the tail shake and thought @papa-pepper leave the rattlesnake alone. I did notice the rounded head at the same time and was also confused.
Great share, I like snakes and knowing which ones can kill you is obviously the difference between life and death.
Check Steem.chat as well my friend.
I learned way more than something. This is really an eye opener. Wisdom is indeed profitable. Thank you for this Papa.
Who's that guy behind the snake in the last picture? Oh it's @papa-pepper. Rad hair due threw me off. he he
LOL - Some days the hat comes off!
Looks good on you.
Great stuff man. Didn’t know about nonvenomous snakes trying to mimic rattlesnakes. That’s awful interesting because I wouldn’t think that they would have knowledge of rattlesnakes or other snakes’ characteristics and behavior, other than their own. The GIF sure does the trick showing that quasi-rattle action though! Great capture
Yeah, Someone else told them to do that, it wasn't their idea!
I hear that man! Good stuff, thanks for teaching me something new today.