Deadliest Snakes of India

2). Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) -The venom of the Russell's viper can deliver 2 to 3 times the lethal venom dose and causes most of the snakebite fatalities in the areas where it occurs. This is a large snake with an average length of 2 to 4 feet (0.7 to 1.3 meters) The head is rather long, triangular, slightly distinct from neck, with large, conspicuous nostrils on side of snout. The Fangs are large and the tail short.

This snake is primarily a nocturnal hunter (especially during hot weather) and can be quite active at night. It usually hides in the shade of bushes and grass growing along paths, where due to its characteristic body color and pattern, it is difficult to see. It is also found near human dwellings searching for rodents. Can be very excitable, and will coil and hiss and may strike quickly without provocation. When it is excited, its body will vibrate and emit a low rasping sound resulting from scales rubbing together.

The typical systemic reaction to a serious bite of a Russell's viper is kidney breakdown. At that stage dialysis is essential to pull a victim through. Without fast medical treatment the bite of this snake is generally lethal.




Russell's Viper

3). The Krait - (Bungarus caeruleus)

The Krait bite is much less obvious and it is very difficult for people to know that they have been bitten at all. There may be no pain and no symptoms to be alarmed at; one may not take it seriously and go to hospital, especially in the middle of the night when most of such bites occur. So, unfortunately, the Krait bite is more often fatal than bites from the other three of the "Big Four".

Kraits usually range between 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m) in length. Most species of krait are covered in smooth glossy scales that are arranged in bold striped patterns of alternating black and light-colored areas. This gives the snake camouflage in its habitat of grassland and scrub jungle

All kraits are nocturnal hunters, and are more aggressive during the night. Although they tend to be more timid around humans, they are often encountered at night, in and around housing or agricultural areas and their neurotoxic venom is 16 times stronger than cobra venom. Krait venom is extremely powerful and quickly induces muscle paralysis. Any bite from a krait is life threatening and a medical emergency. Before antivenom was developed, there was an 85% mortality rate among bite victims.



Common Krait

4). Indian Cobra, also known as Spectacled Cobra - (Naja naja)

Naja naja is a species of venomous snake native to the Indian subcontinent which includes present day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri lanka. It is the most famous of the Big Four, the four most venomous snakes of India for which a single polyvalent antivenin has been created. Like other cobras, it is famous for its threat display involving raising the front part of its body and spreading its hood. This snake is revered in Indian mythology and culture and is often seen with snake charmers. It is now protected in India under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Cobras normally feed on rodents, toads, frogs, birds and snakes. Their normal habitat includes open forest and farmland. They are however also able to thrive in cities, living on rodents in the sewers and underground drains.

The Indian cobra's venom contains a powerful post-synaptic neurotoxin. The venom acts on the synaptic gaps of the nerves, thereby paralyzing muscles, and possibly leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Symptoms of cobra envenomation can begin from 15 minutes to two hours after the bite, and can be fatal in less than an hour. Despite its fearsome reputation, only 10% of the bites in humans result in death.





Indian or Spectacled Cobra

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