I legitimately want to understand how this information is propagating and why. Your explanation seems correct, but given the above link, there may be more to this problem. Honestly, I am just confused now.
Its the previous thing of it, potentially, being true somewhere and then also just it sounds like it could be true. TikTok is full of stuff like this, that sounds true enough and is presented from somewhat of an authority angle, with confidence. Too often I get someone to send me a tiktok of some medical fact like: “is this true?”. And 9/10 it is not.
It holds true enough for North America, but not in other parts of the world, e.g. Africa. So yes, it should have a disclaimer.
This is obviously not true as many of the dangerous snakes in Southern Africa have paired subcaudal scales including the Black Mamba, Green Mamba, Cape Cobra, Vine Snake, Boomslang and Puff Adder to name a few.
Its the previous thing of it, potentially, being true somewhere and then also just it sounds like it could be true. TikTok is full of stuff like this, that sounds true enough and is presented from somewhat of an authority angle, with confidence. Too often I get someone to send me a tiktok of some medical fact like: “is this true?”. And 9/10 it is not.
Thankfully, I avoid short-form videos like the plague.
The link I shared was from a government site but with limited information attached. It also appeared to be reviewed on a regular basis.
Hell, I am just going to write the creators of that page and get some verification.
I mostly do as well, although I have stumbled on some shorts worth while, so ill click those from time to time. Vsauce only posts shorts these days 😢
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It holds true enough for North America, but not in other parts of the world, e.g. Africa. So yes, it should have a disclaimer.
Source: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/news/myths-and-hoaxes/harmless-vs-venomous/