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Peacock Feathers No Snake Repellent: Guddu Maurya Debunks Myth
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News18•03-10-2026, 18:13
Peacock Feathers No Snake Repellent: Guddu Maurya Debunks Myth
- •The belief that peacock feathers are a snake's worst enemy, even more effective than carbolic acid, has been debunked.
- •Snake rescuer Guddu Maurya in Azamgarh conducted an experiment with a king cobra and peacock feathers.
- •The experiment showed that the snake did not flee from the feathers; instead, it walked right over them.
- •The cobra repeatedly touched the peacock feather with its tongue, indicating no fear or aversion.
- •Villagers witnessed the experiment, realizing that the widespread belief about peacock feathers repelling snakes is a misconception.
Key Questions Answered
No, testing in Gorakhpur village showed that a rescued cobra walked over and crossed peacock feathers without any fear, proving the belief is a misconception.
Snake rescuer Guddu Maurya safely rescued king cobras from a house located in Gorakhpur village within Azamgarh's Lalganj tehsil.
Wildlife experts explain that snake venom is a complex protein that only becomes fatal if it enters the bloodstream. Because peacocks swallow venom directly without cuts in their digestive tract, they remain unaffected.
