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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly Indian snakes can still inject venom hours after being killed, researchers warn: Know how
Snakes, long feared for their venomous strikes, may be even more dangerous than previously thought. Recent research published in Frontiers in Tropical Disease reveals that certain Indian species, including monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and black kraits (Bungarus lividus), can inject venom hours after death. Led by Susmita Thakur from Namrup College, Assam, the study documents three real-life cases of post-mortem envenomation, showing that residual venom in hollow fangs remains active. These findings underscore the hidden risks of handling dead snakes and highlight the critical need for public awareness, snakebite safety measures, and prompt medical attention even when the snake appears lifeless. Deadly Indian snakes that can inject venom even after death Indian snakes such as monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and black kraits (Bungarus lividus) have been documented to inject venom even after fatal injuries. While earlier studies primarily focused on rattlesnakes or spitting cobras, the new research led by Susmita Thakur from Namrup College, Assam, expands this risk to native Indian species as reported in Frontiers study . The study recorded three real-life incidents reported at rural health centres in Assam, providing compelling evidence of post-mortem envenomation. Case studies reported for snakebite venom injection hours after death First Incident: Monocled cobra bite after beheading In the first reported case, a 45-year-old man killed a monocled cobra attacking his chickens by severing its head. While disposing of the snake, the severed head bit him on the thumb. He experienced intense pain radiating from the bite to the shoulder, repeated vomiting, and blackening of the bite area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Medical intervention included intravenous antivenom and pain relief medication, and the patient was discharged after 20 days with follow-up care. 'The pain significantly decreased following treatment, and no neurotoxic symptoms developed,' the researchers noted. This incident demonstrates that venom glands remain functional briefly after death, and even a severed head can inflict a potentially dangerous bite. Second incident: Cobra bite after tractor accident The second incident involved a man running over a monocled cobra in a paddy field with his tractor. Despite being crushed and presumed dead, the snake bit him on the foot when he stepped off. The patient experienced pain, swelling, discolouration, and vomiting, confirming envenomation. Though there were no neurotoxic effects, the bite caused ulceration, requiring antivenom treatment and extended wound care. 'Even after being dead for several hours, the snake was capable of delivering a venomous bite,' the researchers highlighted. This case emphasises the persistent risk of venom delivery from dead snakes in rural and agricultural settings. Third incident: Black Krait bite hours after death In the third alarming case, a black krait (Bungarus lividus) was killed in a house, and a neighbour handling its head three hours later was bitten on the finger. The victim quickly developed difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and progressive paralysis. Despite receiving 20 vials of polyvalent antivenom and intensive respiratory support, the patient initially became quadriplegic and unresponsive. However, after 43 hours of critical care, he fully recovered and was discharged in good health after six days. This case clearly illustrates the extreme danger of post-mortem venom injection, particularly from highly neurotoxic species like kraits. How can snakes inject venom after death Researchers explain that certain snakes possess a unique venom delivery apparatus that allows venom release even after death. Key factors include: Venom gland structure: Connected to hollow fangs, the gland can release venom if pressed accidentally. Residual venom in fangs: Even after fatal injury, fangs retain active venom capable of causing envenomation. Mechanical pressure triggers venom release: Handling dead snakes or their severed heads can accidentally trigger venom injection. This mechanism explains why victims experienced symptoms identical to live snake bites, including severe pain, neurotoxicity, and in extreme cases, paralysis. Implications for snakebite safety and public awareness These incidents highlight an urgent need for public awareness regarding post-mortem snakebite risks. Key safety tips include: Never handle dead venomous snakes without proper tools or protective gloves. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten, even by a seemingly dead snake. Educate rural and agricultural communities about the lingering danger of venomous snakes. Experts stress that all venomous snakes, including cobras and kraits, should be treated as potentially dangerous until completely neutralised. Also Read | 10-ft-long Indian rock python rescued after causing panic in Mumbai society amid heavy monsoon rains
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Assam study finds cobra, krait can inject venom after death
GUWAHATI A team of zoologists and health specialists in Assam has recorded the first-ever cases of envenoming by dead monocled cobras and kraits. Dead or freshly decapitated serpents such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, spitting cobras, and the Australian red-bellied black snakes have been known to inject venom, killing or maiming humans and other animals. A study in the latest issue of Frontiers in Tropical Disease, an international journal, has established that cobras and kraits in India can inject venom even after three hours of death. Zoologist Susmita Thakur, biotechnologist Robin Doley, anaesthesiologist Surajit Giri, and paediatricians Gaurav Choudhary and Hemen Nath are the authors of the study titled 'Death to bite: A case report of dead snake envenoming and treatment'. They cited three cases of post-death envenoming – two by monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) referred to the Demow Rural Community Health Centre in eastern Assam's Sivasagar and one by a lesser black krait (Bungarus lividus) referred to the Community Health Centre in southwestern Assam's Boko. All the victims were administered 20 vials of anti-snake venom and had to spend up to 25 days in hospital. The one bitten by the lesser black krait, dead for three hours, needed other medicines and ventilation support. In the first case, a 45-year-old man in the Sivasagar district was bitten by a black monocled cobra he had beheaded for devouring chickens in a coop. The head of the snake struck while he was trying to discard the body. The second victim from the same district was bitten when he checked out a monocled cobra crushed under the wheels of his tractor. 'These are the first such recorded cases of envenoming by dead cobras and kraits anywhere in the world,' Dr. Giri said. 'While the brains of warm-blooded mammals take 6-7 minutes after they are killed or beheaded, the slow metabolism of the cold-blooded snakes makes their brains remain active four to six hours after decapitation or death. They bite reflexively if anyone touches their head or neck,' he explained.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Borneo Post
APM captures venomous Malayan krait at Tatau Police HQ
APM and Tatau police personnel pose with the captured snake. TATAU (July 9): A potentially life-threatening encounter was swiftly neutralised today when Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel successfully captured the highly-venomous Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) at the Tatau district police headquarters. APM Tatau in a statement said it dispatched a team of trained snake catchers to the police headquarters following a call at 11.08am. 'Upon arrival, the team was informed that the snake, known locally as ular katam tebu and measuring 1.5 metres long, had been spotted coiled inside a flower pot. 'Using full protective gear, the team used specialised snake-handling equipment to capture the reptile without any untoward incident,' it said. APM Tatau said this species of snake is notorious for its neurotoxic venom, which can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure if not treated immediately. It advised the public to avoid attempting to handle or approach any venomous snakes, and instead contact the relevant authorities for assistance. In the event of an emergency, APM Tatau can be reached via its 24-hour hotline 019-2178758. Alternatively, contact the 999 emergency line. APM Malayan krait police HQ snake tatau venomous
