Nanyah's Death: Are Snakes Attracted to Music? Snake Expert Dr Mark Ofua Reacts to Claim

• While many people mourned and paid tributes to the late Abuja singer Ifunanya 'Nanyah' Nwangene, who died after being bitten by a snake, some came up with possible reasons a snake found its way into her house
• One conspiratorial theory that made the rounds on social media was that Nanyah's lovely voice must have attracted the snake, claiming that snakes are drawn to music
• Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Dr Mark Ofua, a snake expert who runs the Saint Mark's Animal Hospital in Lagos, responded to the viral claim of snakes' attraction to music

The death of fast-rising Abuja singer Ifunanya 'Nanyah' Nwangene has led to an outpouring of grief and sorrow in Nigeria, with some blaming the hospital for failing to provide her with anti-venom when she came seeking help after a snake bite.

A section of netizens believed that Nanyah's sweet voice and music must have attracted the snake that found its way to her Abuja residence.

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Nanya, known for her versatility, blending opera, jazz, classical music and soul, died on Saturday, January 31, after a snake bite.

Are snakes attracted to music?

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Dr Mark Ofua, a veterinary and snake expert who has been practisinng since 2014, said snakes are not attracted to music.

According to Dr Mark, snakes do not have external ears like humans and, as such, do not hear sounds. He, however, noted that snakes feel vibrations. In his words:

"Snakes are not attracted to music. In fact, snakes do not have external ears as we do and so do not hear sounds as we do. They feel vibrations.

"The video you see of snakes ‘dancing’ to the music of Indian snake charmers is just the snakes moving in response to the movement of the flute while their eyes are fixed on the threat…They’re just recalibrating the distance!

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"So if you see a snake scream all you like…If the ground doesn’t pick up vibrations, you are safe. And no, they won’t come for your music taste."

In a related story, Legit.ng reported that Dr Mark Ofua had highlighted four signs that a snake might be in your room or house.

Things that attract snakes to your house

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Dr Mark Ofua, a snake expert, had pointed out certain things that bring snakes to your house.

According to Dr Mark, snakes are very primal creatures who have almost no concept of play, fun, or anything of such nature. He further said that any snake one comes in contact with is either on a hunt for food, fleeing danger or returning from a hunt.

Dr Mark explained that there are certain reasons snakes visit or are found in residential homes in Nigeria. He wants Nigerians to ask themselves what they must have done to attract the snakes. He noted that rubble, leftover pipes, fittings, blocks, wood or other building materials create a haven for snakes to dwell. He also said snakes are attracted to a compound that has their prey, which are, namely, rats, lizards and even chickens.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng