Yes, at least one study indicates that brown tree snakes are attracted to human menstrual blood.
Details on Snake Attraction to Menstrual Blood
While the idea of snakes being attracted to menstrual blood is a common concern, scientific evidence is limited. However, some studies suggest this may be possible with certain snake species.
- Brown Tree Snakes: A study confirms that brown tree snakes are indeed attracted to human menstrual blood.
- The study found that the snakes exhibited lingual investigation (tongue-flicking) and predatory behavior when exposed to menstrual blood. (Chiszar et al., 1992)
Implications of Snake Attraction
If snakes are attracted to menstrual blood, this could have implications for:
- Safety: Increased potential encounters with snakes in areas where menstrual products are disposed of improperly.
- Snake Behavior: Insight into the sensory cues that trigger snake feeding responses.
Important Considerations
- Species Specificity: The attraction might be specific to certain snake species like the brown tree snake and might not generalize to all snakes.
- Context Matters: The level of attraction can also depend on various factors, such as the concentration of the blood, the snake's hunger level, and other environmental cues.
