Slithering snakes get raw deal from man

Snakes have an image problem - but is it really deserved? Let's look at the evidence.

Common misconceptions include the belief that they are all venomous, that their tongues and teeth contain poison and that they use these weapons at every opportunity.

But the truth is that only about 10 per cent of the world's 2,000 to 3,000 known species of snakes are venomous and roughly half of snake-bite victims receive no injection of venom at all.

About half of a snake's venom is used for one strike and it takes hours to replenish.

Every strike means the snake risks being unable to kill its next meal and reduces its defences against predators.

So snakes do not strike without good reason - only to kill prey or defend themselves.