It’s World Snake Day, But Please Don’t Mail Venomous Snakes
It’s World Snake Day. It’s a time to stop, reflect, and give slithering serpents the respect they’re due. It is not, however, time to mail venomous snakes through the postal service. While the world was preparing for snake day, CBC News reported on July 14, 2016, that illegal, venomous snakes were found packaged in the mail distribution center in British Columbia, Canada.
According to the report, three mountain pit vipers had been sent from China. By the time they were discovered, two of the snakes were dead and the other was found loose in the box. There is no word as to how or why the package was checked in the first place, or who in China sent the package. Maybe they were mailing the snakes to celebrate World Snake Day? The report says the surviving snake was undergoing a medical evaluation, but there is no word as to what the snake’s ultimate fate will be.
Poisonous snakes – one still slithering – found in package destined for Manitoba https://t.co/HSdM8wn0h2 pic.twitter.com/X3KvMS2sZA
— CBC Manitoba (@CBCManitoba) July 14, 2016
While it is good to celebrate World Snake Day, please don’t mail snakes from one region to another. That’s just not a good idea. So, how should one celebrate World Snake Day? First and foremost, many people can celebrate snakes by learning about them. There are myths that surround snakes and many children grew up fearing them. From mythological stories to biblical accounts, snakes are portrayed as evil, wicked creatures and many times are symbolic of the devil. This helps to build fear in children who grow up to be people who view snakes as wicked, evil creatures.
While it is true that many snakes have defense mechanisms that make them superb predators, snakes generally get a bad rap. It might be true that not everyone will want to keep a snake for a pet, but the idea that they are creatures that have no place on the planet or should be hunted and destroyed is false. World Snake Day is a good time for dispelling myths associated with these reptiles and separate fact from fiction. Some good sites for learning about snakes include The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Snake Conservation, Reptiles Web, and Nature Wildlife.
You can learn more about snakes with this National Geographic documentary.
https://youtu.be/bE2zEkrIwuI
On #WorldSnakeDay, 9 of the strangest serpents in the world https://t.co/AbQpywjhuF pic.twitter.com/8OBKubc516
— Planet Green (@PlanetGreen) July 16, 2016
Let’s put our ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) aside and celebrate #WorldSnakeDay. pic.twitter.com/rEmDIiPrAU
— Wild Kingdom (@WildKingdom) July 16, 2016
There are other ways people are celebrating World Snake Day. Some people are wearing snake T-shirts, hats, and other accessories. Others are having snake-themed parties with food such as snake cakes, cupcakes, and more.
The following recipe shows how to make a chocolate chip, banana cake with coffee butter cream frosting. The cake is realistic in appearance and the perfect addition to any snake party or celebration.
Because snakes are found worldwide, one of the best ways to celebrate World Snake Day is to learn about the snakes found in your local environment. Your local branch of the Fish and Wildlife Service is a good resource for learning about the snakes that live in your state. You can also find out what conservation methods are being used to protect snakes and steps you should take if snakes become a nuisance in your area.
How will you celebrate World Snake Day? Are you going to visit a zoo where snakes are kept? Maybe you love snakes and will throw a snake-themed party? Learning about snakes is always a great starting point for those who wish to celebrate, protect and conserve snakes on World Snake Day.
[Photo by Worraket/Shutterstock]
