Study shows snakes behave like humans when stressed

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology has found that snakes, like humans, can feel stress and depend on the presence of another snake to cope with it.

The study looked at how Southern Pacific rattlesnakes from Southern California reacted to stressful situations when they had a companion. The results showed that when snakes faced stress with another snake, their heart rates were lower than when they faced stress alone.

Lead study author Chelsea Martin, a doctoral candidate at Loma Linda University, pointed out that this research was the first evidence of social buffering in reptiles. Social buffering is the phenomenon where the presence of companions can lower the physiological stress response.

Social buffering has been seen in nonhuman primates, rodents, birds, and humans, but this study reveals the similar behavior shown by snakes and reptiles. Martin stressed the importance of acknowledging the complexity of snake behavior, as they have maternal instincts and are able to reduce stress through social interaction, just like humans.

The study adds to our knowledge of reptilian behavior, challenging common myths and highlighting the shared traits between snakes and humans.