Antipathy toward snakes may start in childhood

Study finds negative language from parents can shape kids' perceptions of snakes

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A study of over 100 kindergarten-age children suggests kids tend to view snakes differently than other animals, and that hearing negative or objectifying language about snakes from parents may contribute to this perception. However, the research also found that minimal exposure and education about snakes' biological needs can help 'inoculate' children against developing negative attitudes toward the reptiles.

Why it matters

Snakes play an important role in many ecosystems, but face elevated risk of extinction due to a general societal hatred toward them. Understanding how these negative attitudes form in childhood could help inform efforts to promote conservation and respect for snakes.

The details

The study, published in Anthrozoös, involved three parts. First, researchers had parents read a storybook about a snake to their child, using either objectifying language ("it" pronouns, no references to thoughts/feelings) or more personified language ("she" pronouns, references to thoughts/feelings). They found that the objectifying language encouraged children to view snakes as different from humans. In a second part, when no storybook was provided, children generally saw snakes as similar to other animals but not humans. When the storybook was reintroduced, the negative language effect was replicated. The researchers concluded that negative and objectifying language from parents may contribute to children developing an aversion to snakes, but that exposure and education about snakes' biology can help counter this.

  • The study was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Jeff Loucks

Co-author of the study and professor of teaching at Oregon State University's College of Liberal Arts.

Denée Buchko

Lead author of the study and researcher at the University of Regina.

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What they’re saying

“Childhood is a critical time for shaping someone's attitudes and behaviors toward animals. Snakes have a very negative reputation in Western societies and are commonly misunderstood.”

— Jeff Loucks, Professor of teaching (oregonstate.edu)

“Something unexpected, though, was that kids generally thought that snakes were similar to other non-human animals.”

— Jeff Loucks, Professor of teaching (oregonstate.edu)

What’s next

The researchers plan to conduct further studies to explore how early childhood experiences and education can foster more positive attitudes toward snakes and other misunderstood animals.

The takeaway

This research suggests that the negative perceptions many people have toward snakes may be shaped at a young age through the language used by parents and others. However, simple interventions like providing children with factual information and positive exposure to snakes could help counter these biases and promote conservation efforts.