I’ve read many, many times over the years in whatever article about snakes in which the author makes a point of saying “Some people think snakes are slimy, but they really aren’t.” Same with snake handlers (the naturalist types, not the religious ones).
However, in all my life (including when I was a kid), I have never, ever heard anyone ever say something about snakes being slimy. Now, growing up in a pretty rural place where snakes are common, it was pretty obvious, so maybe I had a skewed selection.
Anyone ever heard anyone say that they believed this??? I sho’ haven’t.
No, but I can understand why some might think that… as you know, when in good health, snakes’ scales are pretty lustrous and since most other lizards that people run into are more dry and earthy looking, to the inexperienced or ignorant, they might assume the sheen is from slime.
I too grew up in the bush where snakes were commonplace, in fact not a day would go by without seeing one or two during the summer months, so no, I don’t recall hearing this growing up. I have heard the expression from city kids though and I would say they used it for lack of a better word.
When I was a small child, I think I believed that.
However, I probably figured it out by the time I was five or so. I can’t imagine why someone would think it was necessary to point out that they’re not in any publication not meant for young children.
If you’ve never actually touched a snake, it’s easy to think they are slimy. The way the sun reflects on their scales makes them seem wet, and when I’ve seen groups where people are allowed to pet the snake, there are always people who are surprised how dry they feel.
Maybe some people think that snakes are kind of like big worms? And worms are slimy, sooo . . .
I have 6 snakes, and I always try to edu-ma-kate folks about snakes, so I’ve had a lot of people who’ve never seen a snake in person come over to play with mine. I’ve learned not to roll my eyes when they go, “Wow, it’s not slimy!”
I guess it’s a common misconception where people are unfamiliar with snakes - few people here have seen one in the wild, and many refuse to go into the reptile house at the zoo :rolleyes: