Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fang Lore
Although most people do not like snakes and try to avoid them, throughout history, snakes have been very important in many different cultures.
Prehistoric cave etchings and Indian rock paintings in countries around the world have depicted giant, fanged snakes. This painting was found in Baume Latrone in southern France.
Snakes have often been viewed as good luck charms or as magical medicine. In Burma, the practice of kissing the head of a hooded King Cobra is done to insure fertility.
In Mexico, snakes were feared and worshipped so much that the ancient Mayans often attributed terrible snake-like properties to harmless animals. The worm-lizards were also thought to be venomous two-headed snakes.
Erected by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine.
Location. 39° 35.499′ N, 77° 25.889′ W. Marker is near Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Catoctin Furnace Road 0.6 miles
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Snakes in Religion (a few steps from this marker); Macaws (within shouting distance of this marker); Sun Bear (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ruffed Lemur (about 400 feet away); Australian Wetland Birds (about 400 feet away); Sacred Ibis (about 400 feet away); Lucky Bird's Aviary (about 400 feet away); Dingo (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.
Additional keywords. prehistory; Mesoamerica; Medieval America
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
