The relationship between snakes and humans is not very distant, whether socially or religiously, humans have been aquainyed with snakes since ancient period. Just like the fear that works in our mind with snakes, so much curiosity is created in our mind to find a way to escape from the hands of snakes. And from these curiosities about snakes, various strange superstitions and unscientific theories have been developed among us which are scattered among rural population in some parts of the world. Today, I will argue about one of such common superstition - " Snake drinks milk ".
First of all, snakes are animals of the order Chordata (Reptilia) that moved by creping and entire of these class are carnivores. And milk is not the food of reptiles. So, it is natural that milk will not exist in the diet of snakes. Moreover, it is impossible for snakes to drink milk from the modern scientific point of view.
Secondly, one of the components of milk is lactose, which is a di-saccharide sugar (Carbohydrate). Animals that can digest milk have an enzyme, called lactase, in their intestines, which breaks this disaccharide into two monosaccharides, called glucose and galactose.
We can also digest milk due to the presence of this enzyme in the intestinal juice of our small intestine. But since no such enzyme exists in the digestive tract of snakes, it is impossible for snakes to digest milk. In many cases, milk can act as a poison for snakes, so if the snake take the milk, it must be vomited out, otherwise the snake may die.
Another myth prevalent in some south asian rural areas, is that snake drinks milk from cows' breasts. In this case, the blame is placed on two non-venomous colubrid snakes Common Trinket Snake -Coelognathus helena helena and Copper-headed Trinket Snake - Coelognathus radiatus (Their vernacular name Dudraj, which implies a snakes which eats and drinks milks merely).The claim is obviously bizarre and incorrect , because -
Firstly, the snake's tongue is divided into two parts (forked tongue). For this tongue structure, it's not possible for snakes to suck milk from cow's breast as the mammals can.
Secondly, suctioning a liquid requires sudden reduction of mouth and chest pressure. As a result of this pressure drop, the external fluid enters the mouth at atmospheric pressure.
In our case, there is a membrane called Diaphragm that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity, which suddenly drops down and reduces the pressure inside the chest. Because of which we can suck liquids and drink . But snakes do not possess a diaphragm. Therefore, in the case of snakes, it is not possible to suddenly reduce the pressure in the chest. So in case of snakes it is not possible to suck any liquid.
Moreover, snakes do not possess a lips and they cannot hold milk in them. Therefore, it is mistaken belief that snake drinks milk from cows' breasts.
Another thing to mention here is that some people belonging to a local religion in South Asia, they observed a worship, called Nagapanchami, celebrates by making snakes drink milk. During this time, snakes can be seen drinking milk in many places. Again, the people who show the snake playing also make the snake drink milk. The real reason is that, If the snake is not allowed to drink water for a long period, then if any kind of liquid will be given to the snake, they will be drunk this. Because the snake does not have the ability to determine the color and smell of liquids. This method is usually adopted for milking snakes by showing snake play and milking snakes in worship.
They leave the snake without food or water for several days. So, the snake is very thirsty. After a few days when milk is placed in front of the snake, whether it is milk, alcohol or benzine, the thirsty snake will drink it.
In conclusion, Snakes never drink milk, this speculation is entirely untrue.
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