17/08/2025
Came across this as I was scrolling and I couldn't help but talk about it.
The caption states "cats are the best deterrent for venomous snakes". That is false. As you can see in the video the snake is a brown rat snake. A nonvenomous species of snakes that primarily preys on rodents. Also, if you have seen the video the snake is actually trying to escape. Snakes by nature will not go after people or pets (expect in cases of larger species). They prefer to stay away from humans, and will (if given the opportunity) hide and evade if detected.
The cat is the villain here. It is the one continuously chasing after the snake. I love animals, but I have a strong heart for wildlife. And I say this with the acknowledgement that it will be a very unpopular opinion:
Cats do not belong outside. Outdoor cats should be kept indoors, either as pets or in Pounds or shelters until they are given a foster home. Cats do not belong in our environment and they will never be. They cause more damage to wildlife, the ecosystem and even public and animal health than snakes. But are seen as heroes when they are in fact disrupting our native ecosystem.
Snakes are harmless most of the time. You are more likely to be bitten and scratched by a cat or dog that a wild snake. Wherein most cases of bites occurs because of human interaction.
In the end, it is we the people who have to adapt to living with wildlife. Not the other way around.
