Snakebite causes the deaths of both humans and snakes, with snakes frequently killed in retaliation or fear, creating a welfare and conservation concern requiring education and changed attitudes.
Snakes face welfare threats rooted in fear and misunderstanding. The vast majority of snakes encountered near homes and farms are non-venomous and pose no threat, yet are killed on sight. Even venomous snakes rarely bite without provocation. Education programs that teach identification and appropriate non-lethal responses (creating distance, calling a professional) reduce unnecessary snake killing while improving safety for both humans and snakes. Snakebite is also an animal welfare issue because dogs and cats commonly suffer bites.