World Snake Day – Jul. 16, 2026

World Snake Day slithers into focus every July 16, aiming to shed light on the incredible diversity and ecological importance of over 3,500 snake species. This global observance challenges negative perceptions and encourages a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood reptiles. Learn to appreciate their role in ecosystems, support conservation initiatives, and share facts to help protect them.

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, Eophis underwoodi, 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 was also an integral part of 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 hill top where he fasted for 40 days. During this time, he was attacked by snakes. To protect himself, he waved his staff and expelled all the snakes of Ireland into the sea. This is why, even today, Ireland is devoid of snakes.

Alas, it is so. Sorry about that.

I just thought it was neat that there is a World Snake Day. We have numerous woodland snakes where I live, a few miles east of Ithaca NY in secluded cul-de-sac carved out of old woods between a tall hill and a hollow. It's terrific snake territory. Also small rodents and tons of other random critters.

Two years ago a big mama garter took up residence next to the house on the shade side and produced a crop of young (is that a litter?) that scattered and found themselves other homes successfully. I love watching such life.

Anyway, those of us who love the often-unloved of God's critters are a special breed. I'll tell you about my many years with skunks some other time. :-)

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15
And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”

And then in Revelation:

Revelation 12:9
New International Version

9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

I havent seen mine since shortly after the house fire.

They’re being wonderfully cared for by a dear FR friend and lack for absolutely nothing but I still ache for the absence of them nonetheless.

Half the house still has no electricity so bringing them home would be unfair tothem as they require specific heat and humidity levels and reading so much hate towards innocent beings is just a lot right now.

Imagine a world dog or cat day thread like this.

😢

How many snake killers are alive right now thanks to the objects of their irrational hatred?
How many more will be saved by the ongoing cancer research o n snake venom?

——————-

+8
Several life-saving medications, particularly for cardiovascular and blood disorders, are derived from or modeled after snake venom. Scientists isolate specific peptides and proteins from venom, which are then used directly as purified drugs or synthesized into pharmaceutical compounds to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Lehigh Valley Health Network
+4
Common medications inspired or made from snake venom include:
Captopril: The most famous venom-derived drug, approved in the early 1980s. Modeled after a peptide from the venom of the Brazilian pit viper (Bothrops jararaca), it is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

British Heart Foundation
Eptifibatide (Integrilin): An antiplatelet medication modeled after disintegrins found in the venom of the Southeastern pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri). It is used to prevent blood clots and heart attacks in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Wikipedia
+2
Tirofiban (Aggrastat): An antiplatelet drug developed from echistatin, a component of the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) venom. It prevents platelets from clumping together during and after a heart attack.

Lehigh Valley Health Network
+4
Batroxobin (Reptilase/Defibrase): A thrombin-like enzyme sourced from the venom of the Brazilian lancehead snake (Bothrops atrox). It is used primarily outside the United States as a coagulant or to defibrinogenate the blood to prevent strokes and improve circulation.

Wikipedia
+2
Enalapril: Another widely used ACE inhibitor heavily reliant on original snake-venom research, functioning similarly to Captopril to help manage cardiovascular health.

Lehigh Valley Health Network
To explore or compare cardiovascular medications—such as the ACE inhibitors and antiplatelet drugs mentioned above—you can utilize online pharmacy resources like GoodRx or consult authoritative medical portals such as the American Heart Association

Good post! As one who has treatable high blood pressure (currently under control) I’ve read about the BP drugs that are derived from or inspired by snake venom. I take an ACE inhibitor so I give thanks to the critters and scientists who’ve made it possible. Otherwise I’d be dead by now. When I was diagnosed in 2009 I was clocked at 205/135 resting. My doc told me I was a walking stroke. These days I’m controlled down to 140/90 which has been my BP since I was 25. Never have been the 120/80 so-called normal. Let’s hear it for the snakes! <3

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