VIDEO: Canton Nature Center Celebrates 'World Snake Day' With Special Release

CANTON, CT — In an era where, seemingly, everything and everyone has a "day" in its honor, there's no reason for snakes to be left out, regardless of where they stand on people's lists of phobias.

The Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, is celebrating World Snake Day by sharing the release of a rehabilitated common garter snake and encouraging the public to learn more about Connecticut's native reptiles.

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The Canton-based nature center posted a video on Thursday showing the release of a common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) that had been treated at its wildlife clinic after being caught by a cat.

According to the center, the snake's wounds were cleaned, and it received antibiotics because bacteria from cat bites can be fatal to reptiles.

"In honor of World Snake Day, please enjoy this release video of a Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) who came through our clinic after being caught by a cat," the nature center wrote. "Its wounds were cleaned, and it was given antibiotics because the bacteria transferred from a cat bite can be deadly."

The organization said World Snake Day is intended to raise awareness about snakes, their ecological importance, and the need to protect them.

"World Snake Day was started to raise awareness about these diverse and often misunderstood reptiles," the center said. "It also strives to educate the public about the role snakes play in ecosystems, dispel myths, and promote conservation efforts."

Roaring Brook also invited visitors to stop by and meet its resident snakes during future visits.

Observed annually on July 16, World Snake Day is recognized internationally to promote respect for snakes, encourage conservation efforts, and highlight the threats they face from habitat loss and human activity.

Organizations around the world mark the day with educational programs, wildlife tours, and conservation initiatives.