From Indian Krait to Black Mamba: Why and how the world's deadliest snakes bite

Time of India

28-05-2025

In the diverse world of reptiles, snakes are the most feared of all. They occupy a chilling yet fascinating place. Often heard in mythology, feared in reality and misunderstood in science, these predators use venom not as a weapon but as a tool for their survival.
Just like humans have an innate survival mechanism, similarly, other reptiles, including snakes, also do.
Two of the deadliest snakes, the Indian common Krait and Africa's black mamba, demonstrate how far evolution has come and how it has created lethality with precision. Have we ever thought? Why do these snakes bite, and what makes their venom so deadly?
Let's get into the details
The silent killer: India's common krait
Scientifically known as Bungarus caeruleus, it is among the most deadly venomous snakes, responsible for numerous fatalities each year.
Primarily nocturnal, they are often found indoors, particularly in rural settings where people sleep on the floors. If and when this species feels threatened, they silently attack; they are known to be very reclusive that way. Their lifespan is up to 17 years and weighs normally weigh around 1.2kg.
Their size will shock you, they grow up to 9ft long.
The common krait is among the big four species of snakes. The 'big four' species in India are the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper and Saw-scaled viper, and they are responsible for the majority of snake-bite related deaths in the country.
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Its venom is neurotoxic, interfering with the nervous system by inhibiting nerve impulses to muscles. The victim will not feel pain at first, but in a matter of hours, paralysis ensues—particularly respiratory failure, usually fatal if left untreated. One of the most sinister aspects of a krait bite is its "silent" appearance: no swelling, no pain, and deadly.
The lightning fast: Black mamba
On the African mainland, the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a creature of terror.
It's not merely one of the longest venomous snakes—reaching lengths of 14 feet, but also one of the fastest, with speeds reaching 20 km/h. Far from the myth, its name does not derive from its color but from the inky blackness inside its mouth, briefly exposed in warning when threatened.
The venom of the black mamba is highly neurotoxic, leading to rapid deterioration of the nervous system. The symptoms begin within minutes: blurred vision, eyelid drooping, and laboured respiration.
Death may follow in less than 6 hours without antivenom. However, the black mamba is not aggressive by nature—it keeps away from people and bites only when it feels that flight is impossible.
Why do snakes bite?
Snakes bite not out of vengeance or aggression but out of necessity. Their reasons typically fall into these three categories
Defense:
When they feel threatened or they feel like getting cornered, they might bite to protect themselves from that threat
Hunting:
Using venom to immobilise its prey.
One of the most commonly seen types.
Mistaken identity:
When these creatures are accidentally disturbed or stepped on, they might bite back to protect themselves from danger.
Debunking the common myth about snakes and their venom
Popular misconception is often spread by viral content available on social media.
Myth no 1:
All snakes are aggressive
Reality:
Most are shy; they try to avoid humans
Myth no.2:
Venom is always injected
Reality:
Dry bites are the most common, especially when they are warning bites
Myth no. 3:
Cutting wounds helps
Reality:
These can worsen injuries.
Quick medical access is the best.
A matter of evolution and ecology
Venom developed as a survival strategy, be it to knock out prey, ward off predators, or compete in the food web. These portions of chemicals are wonders of nature, with enzymes and proteins that target specific biological systems.
Black mamba or Indian krait snakes do not murder for fun. They kill so they can live. They keep the population of mice and other rodents in balance, preserve ecological equilibrium, and even benefit medicine—most contemporary drugs are processed from venom extract.
The issue, therefore, is not to eliminate snakes but to comprehend and coexist with them. Basic precautions—such as wearing shoes at dusk in rural areas, keeping grain in sealed containers to deter rodents (and, therefore, snakes), and ensuring antivenom availability—can decrease bites dramatically. Snakes are not villains, they're survivors, finely tuned to their surroundings. By making the mental shift from fear to respect, humans can coexist with these incredible reptiles in safety.