A study from the Ramnagar Area of Purba Medinipur District in West Bengal, evaluating the knowledge of undergraduate students regarding common myths and perception of snakes

Abstract

Snake myths have been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, and they continue to persist in
modern times. Among students, these myths often take on a variety of forms and are fueled by a range of factors that
include cultural beliefs, personal experiences, and media portrayals. I made an effort to evaluate the beliefs in snake
myths of 500 undergraduate students at Ramnagar College along with their attitudes toward snakes. Almost two-thirds
of students said they believed in at least some myths about snakes and cited twelve, of which revenge-taking by snakes
was mentioned most frequently (85%). Sixty percent of students hinted at killing encountered snakes if possible. These
beliefs in myth can lead to fear and misunderstanding, which can be detrimental to humans, snakes, and the natural
environment. Education and awareness can play a crucial role in dispelling these myths and promoting a more accurate
and positive understanding of snakes.