In this article, I discuss the claims in some places that a Snake Can Regrow Its Head When It Is Cut-Off?
It is common to hear people say this in the Eastern part of Nigeria, though many people in Nigeria seem to believe it too.
In particular, I’ve heard many stories about grandparents in the village telling kids such stories.
Some people claim the cut-off head will fly around until it finds something to bite. I have heard stories that when such a cut-off head bit someone, the person died, along with his family!
But the reality is that it is not true!
Now, let me explain.
Take for instance the CPU of your computer. If you take it out, the computer becomes like an empty box – useless.
When you cut the head of a snake, that is the most important part of its body.
Once it is separated from the body, death is what will follow, and the body cannot regrow.
When the head of a reptile is cut off, the body naturally dies.
Regeneration of body parts can only happen when the reptile is still alive.
This ie because the body cannot regenerate without the head.
This is the same thing that happens to any other living thing – including us humans.
The best that can happen is when the head of an animal – like a chicken – is cut off, it can walk around for some time, but it still dies.
Scientists have explained that this happens due to mostly pre-programmed nervous signals that control movement, even after the head is cut-off.(Read Why do headless chickens run?)
For instance, in this video(click here), we see that a Severed snake head can bite up to an hour after decapitation.
But it does not go around looking for something to bite as people claim!
So when next someone tells you that a snake can regrow its head when it is cut off, tell him or her that it is not true, using what you’ve read here. If you have more questions on this topic, post them in the comments, or click here to send me a message.
