Why Snakes are so important and how to protect them!

It’s hard to believe something that is commonly feared by society is something that is absolutely vital to our world. But the truth is that snakes are so important and without them… well, the world wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable as it is today. This week, we’re digging into why snakes are so important so that you can understand their role on this beautiful planet!

Snakes are excellent pest controllers.

Honestly, I could wrap this whole video up with this one because let’s be honest… as much as I love animals, there are some that aren’t our favorites. But that’s where snakes come in!

Snakes are amazing at keeping pests at bay. Because of their diet, they’re primarily feeding on things that we would consider to be problematic or even cause health issues. 

The most commonly known prey of snakes would have to be rodents. Mice, rats, and the like. A single snake can eat dozens of rats and mice per year and while yes, this is sad, this balance is what helps keep our ecosystem in check. After all, the last thing you want is to find that a family of mice has moved in and started wreaking havoc on your home or your yard.

One of the reasons rodent control is so important is because many rodents carry disease-carrying parasites. Ticks. And what do Ticks carry? Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a huge problem, affecting both people and animals. If you live in the US, you’ll have seen the uptick in information about getting ticks tested for Lyme disease or the impact of Lyme disease in humans.

But one of the keys to avoiding Lyme disease is removing the carrier, right? The ticks! Now do snakes intentionally eat the ticks? Probably not. But they DO eat the hosts of those ticks. In fact, a recent study shows that a single rattlesnake consumes 2500 to 3500 ticks PER YEAR. 

I mean, having fewer ticks around is a great thing, right? 

But it doesn’t end there! Because snakes have such strong digestive acids, the snake stops Lyme disease in it’s tracks. Not only does it break down the parasite but the host as well, including the bacteria that causes the disease. 

This is a huge deal.

Now, of course, not every snake eats rodents. Some snakes eat other snakes (the kingsnake will eat venomous snakes with ease!), some snakes eat insects, some eat fish.

The point here is that this creates a balance that is absolutely vital.

So is that it? Are they just pest control? Not at all!

Snakes are Part of the Food Web

One of the most important parts of the ecosystem is the food web. We’re all connected in this intricate system of resources and while rodents and snakes are in that web, they aren’t the peak of their part of the web. 

In other words, there are other animals that eat them. I know, I’m sitting here holding my pet snake and feeling bad but the truth is that this is important too. The animals on this planet aren’t able to just run to the store for a box of Cheerios- instead, in the case of meat-eaters, they rely on hunting prey for survival. And there are many animals that rely on snakes as a form of prey.

Again, this is a huge part of keeping a beautifully balanced ecosystem. After all, there is such thing as too much of a good thing!

Snake Venom is Used in Medicine

Another incredible reason snakes are so important would be their role in medicine. Snake venom is being used for more and more medical reasons. No, this doens’t mean you need to go out and find a copperhead to treat yourself! Scientists have developed and are still developing medications for hypertension, angina, and other cardiac-related issues. 

So what can we do to ensure that we keep our snakes safe?

Educate yourself! Learn about the snakes native to your area. This will allow you to become your neighborhood snakes biggest advocate against harm.

Use less pesticides and chemicals. Not only is this harmful to the Earth, if a snake consumes a poisoned animal, but they can also die as well! 

Create a snake friendly back yard. No, you don’t need to have a snake pool party create a snake oasis. Instead, if you see a snake in your yard, don’t panic! The snake is most likely passing through and will leave on its own. Keep your grass trimmed and paths clear so you can give them space.

Because truly they aren’t going to bother you!