National Serpent Day

National Serpent Day is an annual American holiday designed to raise awareness about snakes and help reduce the common fear of them. Observed on February 1, this day encourages people to learn more about these fascinating reptiles and appreciate their important role in the ecosystem.

History

Snakes have existed on Earth for millions of years. The purpose of National Serpent Day is to help people understand snakes better and see them as more than just a danger.

Modern research has confirmed the medicinal properties of certain types of snake venom. Medicines made from snake venom have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and warming (ointment) effects. Snake venom is also used in the production of some injectable medicines. Throughout history, snakes have been symbols of health and medicine—the classic pharmacy symbol is a snake wrapped around a bowl.

Researchers emphasize that snakes generally attack only when they feel threatened. Before striking, they often hiss and coil up. If you encounter a snake in the wild, it’s best to slowly move away rather than try to scare or harm it, as snakes are very quick and agile.

Interesting Facts

• There are now more than 3,000 known species of snakes. Around 500 are venomous, and only about 200 species have venom strong enough to be fatal to humans.
• The fastest snake is the black mamba, which can reach speeds of up to 10 mph (16 km/h).
• Pythons and anacondas are the largest snake species, with some individuals growing longer than 23 feet (7 meters).

How to Take Part

On National Serpent Day, take some time to learn new and interesting facts about snakes. You might consider visiting a reptile exhibit or snake show to see a variety of species up close.

Share your knowledge about the holiday on social media. Ask others when they first saw a live snake and how it made them feel.

When is National Serpent Day in 2026?

National Serpent Day is observed on February 1 each year.

Observations