#worldsnakeday

Apparently it's #WorldSnakeDay.

On the Occasion of World Snake Day, the department of Agad Tantra conducted a seminar on the topic of Treatment of Snake bite.

Our special thanks to Eminent speaker Dr Gaurav Sharma. Asst. Prof.  Department of Medicine GSMC&H.

World Snake Day, held every year on July 16, aims to increase awareness regarding the over 3,500 snake species that exist across the world. Yes, that’s a lot of snakes! And, guess what? Not all of them are as scary or poisonous as we believe them to be. The fascinating reptiles are often not given the recognition they deserve just because of the bad reputation they have earned over the years. For instance, a friend who is a traitor is known as a ‘snake.’ The day aims to change the negative perception surrounding snakes and promote the love for all living beings — even the ones we fear.

HISTORY OF WORLD SNAKE DAY

The English word ‘snake’ comes from the Old English word ‘snaca.’ The reptile is thought to have come from terrestrial lizards that existed around 174.1 million to 163.5 million years ago. In fact, Sophie underwoods, the oldest fossil snake, lived in England about 167 million years ago. However, even before researchers learned about the numerous snake species, the reptile was mentioned in ancient mythologies and integral to various religions. For instance, in the Bible Satan took on the form of a snake that existed in the Garden of Eden. And it is due to the snake that Eve consumed the forbidden apple and was banished.

According to Irish mythology, in the 5th century, St. Patrick went to a hilltop where he fasted for 40 days. During this time, he was attacked by snakes. To protect himself, he waved his staff and expelled Ireland's snakes into the sea. This is why, even today, Ireland is devoid of snakes. In another legend, the Chinese believe there once was a white female snake demon who resided underwater. According to the ancient Chinese myth, the demon took on a mortal form when she fell in love with a human, and the two later married to give birth to a boy. The twist in the plot is that the demon’s identity was revealed by the Buddhist monk, Fahai. The monk then trapped the snake demon under his lakeside pagoda. Folklore such as these often shows snakes in a negative light and may be responsible for portraying them as evil beings.

What are the different types of snakes?

There are many different types of snakes in the world, and each one has its own unique features and behavior.

Here are some of the most common types of snakes:

Viper: A viper is a snake that has a potent venom that can kill a person quickly.

Pythons: Pythons are one of the most common types of snakes in the world. They have a long body and a flexible neck, which makes them able to move around easily.

Rattlesnakes: Rattlesnakes are one of the deadliest snakes in the world. They have rattle-like scales on their tail, which they use to warn other animals of their presence.

Boas: Boas are one of the more common types of snakes in the world. They have a smooth body and long tongue, which they use to catch prey.

Why are snakes important?

Snakes are important because they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Snakes are essential to the survival of many animals and plants. They are able to eat large prey and they can help to control the populations of other animals.

snakes also play an important role in the food chain. They eat smaller animals, which helps to keep the populations of larger animals in check.

Snakes are also important because they help to protect us from dangerous creatures. Some snakes can kill animals that are harmful to us, such as spiders or snakes.

World Snake Day Facts

As of 2020, snakes are the 2nd largest group of reptiles after lizards with about 3,789 different species.

About 70% of snakes lay eggs. The other 30% have live births. Snakes that live in colder climates typically have live births because their eggs wouldn’t survive the weather.

Snakes are capable of swallowing animals up to 75%-100% larger than their own heads.

World Snake Day Top Events and Things to Do

Learn more about the Advocates for Snake Preservation (ASP), a non-profit organization working to promote compassionate conservation and coexistence with snakes.

Read through several snake stories. You can learn more about their social behaviors and what to do should you encounter one.

Learn how to live safely with snakes. Snakes are important reptiles that eat the carriers of many diseases. Understanding how to properly handle a snake can help keep both you and the snake safe.

What to do if you encounter a snake

If you encounter a snake, the first thing you should do is stay calm. If you are able to do so, try to capture the snake in a container if possible. Never try to touch or kill the snake – this could be dangerous and could result in serious injury or death. If you are unable to capture the snake, make sure to call for help. Do not approach or attempt to capture a venomous snake – these snakes have poisonous venom that can kill you quickly.

Conclusion