Human Attitudes toward Snakes

One national survey to assess the public's attitudes toward wildlife species included snakes (Kellert and Berry 1979, 1980). In that survey, public willingness to sacrifice a variety of personal benefits to assure the well-being of several endangered species was examined. Notably, respondents expressed little desire to make sacrifices to protect the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), a large non-venomous snake that was listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Rattlesnakes were disliked by 78% of respondents, and ranked as the fifth most disliked species of 33 included in the survey's list (Kellert and Berry 1980). Only wasp, rat, mosquito and cockroach were disliked to a greater degree. Snakes have consistently ranked among the most disliked animals around the globe (Surinova 1971, Morris 1960), particularly among female children (Surinova 1971). Boys, on the other hand, appear to have positive attitudes toward a wider diversity of animals, particularly predators (Collins 1976), than do females. 

In a survey of visitors to an eastern national park, strong support was indicated for all "wildlife." Respondents were not as supportive toward snakes as a group when asked whether snakes in the park should be killed (Greene 1997). Likewise, a survey of college students in Kansas indicated that individuals chose to deliberately hit a snake when crossing a road with their automobiles more often than any other animal (Langley et al. 1989). More recently, work conducted in Australia indicates that a low public tolerance for snakes persists. Whitaker and Shine (2000) surveyed residents in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in southern inland New South Wales, and found that about half of the snakes observed by people were approached and about one-third killed. Reasons given for killing snakes included concern for animal and human safety, fear and hate. Despite the need to incorporate humans in conservation efforts, little specific information exists regarding the factors that affect people's values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors toward snakes, which could aid in their conservation.

Childhood experiences with animals have been demonstrated as important factors in adult attitude development toward wildlife (Kellert 1976). One relevant trend in society has been the increased selection of reptiles as pets (Franke and Telecky 2001). Such purposeful and enduring experiences with reptiles likely influence people's attitudes toward these animals. It's important to note, however, that the vast majority of reptiles that are kept as pets are turtles (46% of reptile owners); snakes are kept by fewer than half as many individuals as turtles or lizards (Franke and Telecky 2001).

Family members or friends who have had encounters with snakes may also influence beliefs and attitudes via renditions they share with others regarding the encounter(s). Many urban children have little or no exposure to natural environments, and having no previous exposure, their interpretations may be based not only on renditions shared by family or friends, but also other indirect experiences such as films, TV programs, zoos, museums, and books (Bixler et al. 1994). These sources may influence a person's attitudes toward the outdoors, as well as toward specific plants or animals.


References

Bixler, R. D., C. L. Carlisle, W. E. Hammit, and M. F. Floyd. 1994. Observed fears and discomforts among urban students on field trips to wildland areas. Journal of Environmental Education 26(1):24-33.

Collins, M. A. J. 1976. Questionnaires and changing students' attitudes to animals. Journal of Environmental Education 8(2):37-40.

Franke, J. and T. M. Telecky. 2001. Reptiles as pets: an examination of the trade in live reptiles in the United States. Washington: Humane Society of the United States.

Greene, H. W. 1997. "Conservation", pp. 292-306, in Snakes: the evolution of mystery in nature, Berkeley: University of California Press.

Kellert, S. R. 1976. Perceptions of animals in American society. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference 41:533-546.

Kellert, S. R. and J. K. Berry. 1979. Public attitudes toward critical wildlife and natural habitat issues, Phase I. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Kellert, S. R. and J. K. Berry. 1980. Knowledge, affection and basic attitudes toward animals in American society, Phase III. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Langley, W. M. H. W. Lipps, and J. F. Theis. 1989. Responses of Kansas motorists to snake models on a rural highway. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 92(1-2):43-48.

Morris, D. 1960. An analysis of animal popularity. International Zoo Yearbook 2:60-61.

Surinova, M. 1971. An analysis of the popularity of animals. International Zoo Yearbook 11:165-167.

Whitaker, P. B. and R. Shine. 2000. Sources of mortality of large elapid snakes in an agricultural landscape. Journal of Herpetology 34:121-128.