This "Question of the Week" episode from The Naked Scientists investigates a common African legend suggesting that snakes can be tamed by breastfeeding mothers or by being sprayed with breast milk. Herpetologists Dr. Fortunate Mafetta Faka and Dr. Angela Julian scientifically debunk this myth. They clarify that snakes, as reptiles, cannot consume milk and are not biologically attracted to it. Instead, snakes found near human homesteads are drawn by practical factors such as the availability of rodents for food, shelter, and suitable conditions for thermoregulation. The perceived "tameness" is explained as a mere coincidence: "house snakes" are often non-venomous or habituated to humans and will not attack unless provoked. The experts conclude that the legend likely arises from human misinterpretation of snakes' naturally non-aggressive behavior when unthreatened, particularly when a distracted mother is less likely to react aggressively to the snake's presence.
Exploring the Legend of Breast Milk and Tamed Snakes
0:00:06 - The Question: The episode addresses a listener's query about an African legend where snakes become tame around breastfeeding babies or when sprayed with breast milk.
0:00:31 - Expert Perspective (Dr. Fortunate Mafetta Faka): Acknowledges the widespread nature of the story but states there's no scientific explanation for the "milking" aspect. She explains that general fear often leads to snakes being killed on sight, resulting in defensive bites, and that understanding snake behavior can change this perception.
0:01:35 - Biological Impossibility (Dr. Angela Julian): Emphasizes that snakes, being reptiles, cannot consume milk, indicating no biological attraction or taming effect.
0:01:50 - Real Reasons for Snake Presence: Snakes are drawn to human dwellings by practical needs such as a food source (rodents), shelter, and places to regulate their body temperature; breast milk is entirely incidental.
0:02:07 - Snake Behavior & Human Interaction: Venomous snakes like puff adders and black mambas often live near people undetected. Snakes generally do not attack unless provoked (e.g., stepped on). Many "house snakes" are non-venomous or habituated to humans and will not pose a threat if left undisturbed.
0:02:59 - Coincidence, Not Causation: The perceived tameness around breastfeeding mothers is attributed to coincidence. The mother, being preoccupied, is less likely to actively threaten or react aggressively to the snake, leading to a calm interaction.
0:03:26 - Key Takeaway: There is no scientific basis for the legend. The belief likely stems from human attempts to explain naturally non-aggressive snake behavior and our preconceived notions of danger, rather than any direct effect of breast milk on snakes.