Interesting Myths And Superstitions About Wildlife

Superstitions are an integral part of our history and folklore. When superstition is repeated often enough, it can become mistaken as fact and ingrained in our culture. Superstitions, even the crazy, unbelievable ones, have profoundly affected human behavior since the beginning of time. Even when they defy logic, we still cannot seem to help ourselves. To this day, we don’t walk under ladders. We throw spilled salt over our shoulders. We avoid black cats. And we know you’ve hopped over a sidewalk crack a time or two to spare your mother’s back. But aside from those familiar classics, did you know there are some interesting superstitions about wildlife too?

The Crow – A Harbinger Of Doom, Death, And Evil

With their dark black feathers, beady eyes, and a haunting cry that many people find grating, it’s not hard to see why the crow gets a dubious rap. Cultures worldwide have perceived this highly intelligent bird as much more than an animal. In Greek mythology, the crow is a messenger that travels between the mortal and spiritual realms. In Ireland, they are the mischievous spirits of faeries. In Native American folklore, the crow is a trickster. In England, they are the consorts of witches, and in the United States, they are an omen of bad luck. A group of crows is even called a murder. So, do crows deserve this reputation? Absolutely not, although they can certainly be a nuisance to homeowners. But will the superstitions surrounding crows likely ever fade away? As Edgar Allan Poe famously wrote in his poem The Raven, “Nevermore!”

Owls, Witches, And Hauntings

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you probably know that owls are famously associated with witchcraft, but that was no J.K. Rowling invention. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed witches could transform themselves into owls, and old folk tales abound that say witches used owls as messengers. Another known myth states that hearing an owl hoot three times is bad luck. Perhaps most intriguing, we’ve also heard that owls often cohabitate with ghosts, and a nesting owl’s presence is a sure sign that the place is haunted. The owl is an enigmatic and interesting animal, to be sure, and known for its intelligence and wisdom. But believing these superstitions? Not so wise.

Bats & Vampires

The connection between bats and vampire lore is legendary, and we have Bram Stoker’s Dracula to thank for that. But did you know that the old superstition about bats drinking human blood has actually been proven true? In 2017 scientists discovered that Diphylla ecaudata, also known as the hairy-legged vampire bat, had indeed fed on human blood during an analysis of their feces. (The good news is that bat is native to Brazil. But not such great news? There are vampire bats in Mexico, although they haven’t been discovered in the United States. Yet.

The Sly Fox

Superstitions about foxes abound, portraying this misunderstood mammal as sly, sneaky, and deceptive. This perception goes back to the Incas. Yes, foxes are incredibly clever. And interestingly, studies show that the more domesticated and friendlier foxes become with humans, the smarter they get. But are foxes malicious? No, although they are predators and are known to cause headaches for homeowners, especially those who own livestock. When an intelligent fox repeatedly finds a way to break into your hen house, you probably won’t have many good things to say about them.

Snakes – The Ultimate Symbol Of Evil And Temptation

Snakes. Although some people love them, most people fear and dislike them. Our mistrust of these animals takes us straight back to the Bible and the Garden of Eden. Snakes are the ultimate representation of evil and are linked with Satan himself. But as wicked looking as these serpents may be, they are not inherently evil. Indeed, snakes are an important part of the world’s ecosystems and might even be considered a “keystone” animal. They typically help keep food chains in the natural world balanced because they are apex predators. On the other hand, snakes can be invasive and cause problems for homeowners, too.

The Ultimate Truth About Wildlife Superstitions

Superstitions are myths, but they begin with some kernel of truth, usually when someone has a problem with something. The same holds for wildlife, too. When an animal damages your home, makes you feel threatened, or otherwise harms you, it’s important to remember that the animal is just trying to survive and is probably just as afraid of you as you are of it. For reliable wildlife solutions without the myths and mayhem, reach out to Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We deal in super service, not superstitions, and we are here for you when you need us.