Poisonous Snakes of India- Precautions and First Aid

Just the name of snake brings a feeling of fear in most people. Though justifiable  due to the venomous nature of some snakes, it can be life impeding in some cases. Abnormal fear of snakes is termed Ophidiophobia or Ophiophobia and in general terms also called Herpetophobia (fear of amphibians and reptiles). The study of snakes can be generally covered in Herpetology or specifically under Ophiology.

When talking about India, it is a hotbed for snakes; being a tropical country with dense vegetation.  In India, 60 out of 270 species are venomous enough to kill human beings. The famous King Cobra is the most poisonous and the krait deadliest and most dangerous among the six species of deadly snakes found in India.  These six species are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s  Viper, Saw scaled Viper, King Cobra, Indian Pit Viper.  Indian Python or what is known as “Ajgar” in hindi though the world’s largest snake is non poisonous and kills by constricting it’s prey.

With a fatality rate of 20,000 per year; it is extremely important to learn more about this cohabitant of ours. There are various precautions you may take some measures to save yourself from these deadly creatures. Before you even venture out into the wild or live near a place of heavy vegetation, you must know the common snakes; especially the venomous snakes found in your area. Educating yourself about your surroundings is the first action of being proactive in your and your loved ones’ safety.  If you are walking in dense ground vegetation, like grass, try to take a stick with you to disturb the plants before you venture in there. Most animals including snakes will avoid confrontation unless cornered or stepped on or disturbed. Wear boots and long pants, so none of the skin on legs is exposed. It is good to save yourself from bug bites as well. Do not put your hands in between rocks or any holes; you never know what may be lurking there! Stay clear of low hanging branches, since some of the arboreal or tree climbing species may be well hidden there. A snake bite whether from venomous snake or non venomous, should be treated.

If you did somehow get bit by a snake in spite of all the precautions, you can take some steps to help yourself or that person. However difficult it may sound, it may very well save your life: If you were able to notice the snake, remember its color and shape. If you have a camera phone, take a photograph.  Also, moving person will make the heart beat faster and in turn spread the poison in the body. First aid must start with making the person sit still, so the heart is above rest of the body. If possible wash the wound site with soap and water. Do not try to cut the wound open or suck the wound .These measures seen in movies don’t work.  Applying a tourniquet 2-4 inches above the wound is called for in some first aid cases and discouraged in others.  Probably depending on the type of bite, since some snakes’ venom effects nervous system and some cause swelling. Call your local emergency telephone number or if you must transport the person to clinic/hospital, take care in not making her/him move around too much. If you were able to kill the snake, take precaution in handling it; since the reflexes in snake are active long after death and can result you in being bit.

If you interested in learning about these snakes in a safe environment, there is no better place than an snake park.  In India there are four snake parks-Bannerghatta Snake Park , 21 kms from Bangalore;  Guindy Snake Park near Chennai; Parassinikkadavu Snake Park at Kannur town of Kerala and Katraj Snake Park near Pune.
Snakes though dangerous are a necessary link our ecological chain on earth. We need to learn and teach our kids to respect this magnificent animal and stay away from products that exploit them in anyway including products made of snake skin. Being “superior” species of mammal on this earth it is our responsibility to take care of any species that need help.