Snake Expert Rates 9 Snake Attacks In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Summary

Herpetologist Dr. Sara Ruane analyzes scenes depicting snake attacks and snakebites from various movies to judge their realism. She discusses snake behavior, venom, antivenoms, and first aid, noting inaccuracies like hissing, congregating in groups, instant paralysis from bites, and more. Dr. Ruane points out realistic details too, like a snake's calm demeanor when undisturbed. She assigns realism scores to each scene while sharing facts about snakes - their sensing abilities, constriction, feeding, self-defense, and more. Overall an informative, entertaining analysis revealing much myth alongside some truth in Hollywood's snake depictions.

Takeaways

• 😱 Venom needs to enter bloodstream to be effective; eating venom usually harmless
• 😐 Staying calm and still is the best way to avoid snake bites
• 😬 Cutting into snakebite wounds makes things worse; don't try to suck out venom
• 🤔 Snakes don't hear or see well; they sense vibrations and smell with tongue flicking
• 🙅‍♂️ Pheromones don't make snakes aggressive to humans or other species
• 🚫 Constrictors kill prey before eating; won't just gulp down live humans
• 🐍 Most snakes avoid biting when possible; human myths malign snake behavior
• 💉 Antivenom takes multiple monitored doses; not an instant snakebite cure
• 😡 Neurotoxic venoms like black mamba's quickly paralyze nervous system
• 🏥 Get snakebite victim medical help ASAP; tracking swelling shows venom progression

Q & A

What are some ways snakes actually hear or sense vibrations?

Snakes don't hear very well, but they can feel vibrations through their jawbones. They may also pick up on super-low frequencies. Mainly snakes use their tongue flicking to collect odor molecules and understand their surroundings.

How exactly does a snake's jaw work when swallowing large prey?

A snake's upper and lower jaws are not fused together. This allows them to stretch their lower jaw very wide horizontally. Snakes swallow prey by pulling it into their throat using one jaw at a time in an alternating motion.

Why can't anacondas move as quickly on land as shown in the movie clip?

Anacondas are very large, heavy-bodied snakes that spend most of their time in the water. The buoyancy allows them to reach massive sizes. On land their heavy bodies prevent them from moving rapidly like in the movie scene.

What should you do if a non-venomous snake bites you?

The bite itself is not dangerous. Non-venomous snakes have small, rear-facing teeth not likely to cause serious injury. Carefully remove the snake if it's holding on. Clean the wound and watch for infection, though serious infection is unlikely.

How does snake venom injected into tissue differ from poison that is ingested?

Snake venom must enter tissue or the bloodstream directly to be effective. Someone could consume venom by mouth and remain unharmed, unlike poison which causes harm when ingested.

How is antivenom actually administered to snakebite victims?

Multiple doses of antivenom are given based on bite severity and symptoms, not a single dose like in movies. The patient is monitored and may receive more antivenom if symptoms persist or worsen. Antivenom stops circulating venom but doesn't reverse damage done.

What should you NOT do if bitten by a venomous snake?

Do not make cuts over the wound or try to suck out the venom. This is ineffective and causes more tissue damage. Also do not kill or bring the snake to medical staff - identification can be done without it.

Why don't groups of snakes swarm or attack humans like shown in some movie scenes?

These behaviors are completely unrealistic. Snakes act alone defensively; they will not amass as a group to bite someone. A biting snake will release and retreat once no longer threatened.

How does neurotoxic versus hemotoxic venom affect snakebite victims differently?

Neurotoxic venom attacks the nervous system causing paralysis, loss of breathing capability, etc. Hemotoxic venom destroys tissue cells and blood vessels, causing localized rotting and potential need for amputation.

What should you do if encountering a snake in the wild?

Try to remain calm and still so as not to startle it. Do not make sudden movements. Back away slowly if possible. Most snakes will not chase or attack without provocation.