World Snake Day 2026

2026-07-16

I'm not the snake person I was in a younger day. In my youth I would wander the woods and ponds and dirt roads in rural Aiken County, South Carolina and collect all manner of reptiles including snakes — which are indigeneous to this area.

Nowadays I prefer to sit and remember those times rather continue the practice. Back in the day I was a rebel rouser and adventurer. Now I'm just a retired technology hack.

Today is World Snake Day.

It is observed each July 16 to raise awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, challenge negative stereotypes, and promote conservation ...

And generally not be a wuss about getting all up close and personal with your favorite serpent. It brings to the fore a need to protect over 3,500 species of these vital reptiles from threats like habitat loss.

We have a local zoo which I typically forego for local forays into the wild. Regardless of what you do I hope you will take a moment and consider these reptiles so central to conservation.