Five countries where snakes don’t exist

By Adedamola Ogunbewon

Pastor Isaac Omolehin, a renowned man of God in Kwara state, in a recent message, said St Padraigh (Patrick), a Roman Catholic priest, ordered all the snakes in Ireland and chased them into the sea, claiming that is why there are no snakes in Ireland. He also noted that Ireland is the only country without snakes.

However, checks by the Nation reveal that Ireland is one of the most snake-free nations, because after the Ice Age, snakes never made their way onto the island, and the cool climate further discouraged their survival.

Here are five countries where snakes don’t exist

1. Ireland

Ireland is one of the most famous snake-free nations. After the Ice Age, snakes never made their way onto the island, and the cool climate further discouraged their survival.

Although folklore credits St. Patrick with driving snakes away, history shows they simply never lived there.

2. Iceland

With its subarctic temperatures and isolation in the North Atlantic, Iceland offers no habitat for snakes. The country also enforces strict animal importation laws to protect its delicate environment.

3. New Zealand

Despite its rich biodiversity, New Zealand has no native land snakes. The government maintains tight biosecurity measures, making it one of the most secure places in the world for people with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes).

4. Greenland

The frigid Arctic conditions of Greenland leave no chance for snakes to survive. The island’s wildlife is dominated by species that are well adapted to freezing environments, such as polar bears and seals.

5. Antarctica

The coldest place on Earth is inhospitable to all reptiles. Snakes, along with other cold-blooded creatures, simply cannot survive in Antarctica’s extreme climate.

Hawaii: While not entirely snake-free, Hawaii strictly prohibits snake ownership and importation. The rare snakes found there are usually escaped or illegally smuggled pets.