07/16/2025
Happy World Snake Day to all!
is celebrated every July 16th to increase awareness and positivity towards animals that are often feared, hated, and killed due to negative attitudes humans hold towards them.
There are over 3,400 species of snakes worldwide, 17 of which call White Sands National Park home. Snakes are integral part of every ecosystem they live in including White Sands. Without snakes we would be overrun by disease carrying rodents. We would also see far less animals that depend on snakes for food such as roadrunners, kit foxes, bobcats and American badgers.
Yes, some species are venomous and can pose a danger to humans, but you can eliminate most of the risk of a venomous snakebite if you:
1) Educate yourself about the venomous snakes found in your area.
2) Are aware of where you're stepping while hiking.
3) Don't reach under natural or human created debris where snakes can be hiding.
4) Teach your family and children about snake safety.
5) Never try to pick up or kill a snake you see!
Remember that we are recreating in their backyard, not the other way around. It is up to us to peacefully coexist with snakes to help keep ecosystems such as those here at White Sands healthy and thriving.
Photo credit: NPS
