If you believe what you’ve seen in Hollywood movies like Snakes on a Plane or Anaconda, you’re buying a myth. Snakes portrayed as aggressive, with their long, scaly, slithering bodies and hissing, gaping mouths, are the stereotype.
In reality, snakes are some of the most misunderstood members of the animal kingdom. Visitors to the South Carolina State Museum can find out why April 19.
Chief Curator of Natural History and herpetologist Jim Knight will debunk all the myths, rumors and lies that cloud this coiling creature with his program “Snakes Alive!” Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. in the State Museum auditorium.
Knight is a leading authority on snakes. He will use a live snake to explain more about these reptiles, and separate fact from fiction to those willing to listen and learn. A particular snake he will discuss is the dreaded cottonmouth, or water moccasin. “These reptiles have the reputation as the most fearsome snake in South Carolina.” In actuality, Knight says, “These are the most misunderstood snakes. The only problem cottonmouths have is with people who don’t understand them.”
When threatened, “cottonmouths try to remain motionless, a tactic many snakes use to remain unobserved, until a human is right on top of them.” Knight adds, “When that doesn’t work for the cottonmouth it gapes its mouth at your feet, and when it does that, it’s hard not to feel threatened.”
The program is part of Earth Day, which will present fun and educational programs all day about how we can all contribute to the preservation of our environment.
“Snakes Alive!” is a program for all ages and is free with museum admission or membership. For more information, call Celeste Wszola at (803) 898-4952.
South Carolina State Museum guests will have the chance to have their questions
answered about snakes by Chief Curator of Natural History and herpetologist Jim Knight
at the “Snakes Alive!” program on Saturday, April 19. The program, part of Earth Day at
at the Museum, begins at 2 p.m., and is free with museum admission or membership.
Photo by Susan Dugan/courtesy of the S.C. State Museum.