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Time of India
7 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
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Snakes capable of injecting venom even after death, researchers say
Until now, the ability to posthumously inject venom was thought to be limited to a select group of snake species. But a new study by scientists in India's eastern state of Assam, published in the journal Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, has confirmed that Indian monocled cobras and kraits can also inject venom hours after their death. The research team, led by Susmita Thakur of Namrup College in Assam, documented three such incidents: two involving monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and one involving a black krait (Bungarus lividus). In the first case, a 45-year-old man encountered a snake attacking chickens in his house and killed it by beheading. However, while trying to discard the body, he was bitten by the decapitated snake's head on his right thumb. 'The bite was followed by severe pain at the bite site, radiating up to his shoulder. He reported to the nearby community hospital,' the researchers wrote. Doctors administered intravenous antivenom along with paracetamol for pain relief. In the second case, a man working in a paddy field unknowingly ran over a monocled cobra with his tractor. But when he got off the tractor after work, the snake, presumed dead, bit him on the foot. 'The patient complained of severe pain, progressive swelling, and noticeable colour change at the bite site,' scientists wrote. 'Despite being crushed and presumed to be dead for several hours, the snake was capable of delivering a venomous bite, requiring antivenom treatment along with extended wound care.' In the third reported incident, a black snake entered a house, where it was killed and its body discarded in the backyard. A neighbour who came to see the snake later picked it up by the head and was bitten on the little finger of his right hand. Within hours, he began experiencing difficulty swallowing and developed drooping eyelids. Based on these cases, researchers warned that even after sustaining fatal injuries some snakes can still inject venom. Envenoming may occur if the venom gland of a dead snake is accidentally pressed while handling its severed head. 'In the cases highlighted here, such envenomings lead to clinical symptoms comparable to those produced by live snakes,' the scientists warned.
News18
10 hours ago
- Health
- News18
These Snakes Can Bite And Poison You Long After They Are Dead, Reveal Scientists
Dead venomous snakes can still bite and inject venom up to three hours after death. Avoid touching dead snakes to stay safe Incidents of snake bites tend to increase during the rainy season. But did you know that a snake's jaw can still expand and bite even after its death? Yes, you read that correctly. A startling report from Guwahati, Assam, has even taken scientists by surprise. Dead Snakes Can Still Bite: A Surprising Discovery It was long believed that the threat posed by a snake ends once it dies. However, recent findings by a team of biologists and health experts in Assam have proven this assumption wrong. So, exercise caution if you come across a dead snake or witness one dying; it is best to keep your distance. According to The Hindu, new research indicates that venomous snakes, such as cobras and kraits, can still bite and inject venom up to three hours after their death. This study, published in the international journal Frontiers in Tropical Disease, documents three incidents in Assam where dead snakes delivered venomous bites. Two involved Monocled Cobras (Naja kaouthia) and one involved a Black Krait (Bungarus lividus). All victims required 20 vials of anti-snake venom and were hospitalised for 25 days. The person bitten by the Black Krait required ventilation and additional treatment. How Were These Cases Uncovered? The first case occurred in Sivasagar district of Assam, where a 45-year-old man killed a cobra that was threatening his chickens and decapitated it. While disposing of the body, the cobra's severed head clamped onto his hand and injected venom. The second case, also in Sivasagar, involved a farmer who was bitten by a dead cobra while inspecting it after his tractor had crushed it. The third case took place in Boko, Western Assam, where a black krait bit a man three hours after its death. Scientific Explanation Behind The Phenomenon Dr Surajit Giri, an anaesthesiologist involved in the study, explained this is the first documented instance worldwide. He noted that the brains of warm-blooded animals, including humans, shut down within 6 to 7 minutes after death or decapitation. Cold-blooded snakes, however, have a slower metabolism, which keeps their brains active for 4 to 6 hours post-mortem. Consequently, snakes can still deliver reflexive bites if their head or neck is touched during this period. A Strong Warning From Experts Experts strongly advise against touching dead or decapitated snakes. In rural areas, people often handle or display dead snakes, unaware of the danger. This study serves as a crucial warning, not just for India but globally, that even dead snakes can remain venomous and pose serious risks. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Indian Snake Species Can Still Inject Venom Hours After Death, New Study Reveals
A new study has revealed that certain deadly Indian snake species, including cobras and kraits, can still deliver venom even after death. Previously, this ability was thought to be limited to specific species like rattlesnakes and spitting cobras. However, researchers in Assam found that Indian monocled cobras and kraits can inject venom hours after their death, the Independent reported. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Tropical Disease. The research team, led by Susmita Thakur from Namrup College in Assam, documented three incidents involving venomous snakes. Two cases involved monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and one involved a black krait (Bungarus lividus), all reported to rural health centres in Assam. First Incident In the first instance, a 45-year-old man killed a snake that was attacking chickens in his home by beheading it. When the man tried to dispose of the snake's body, the severed head bit him on the thumb. He immediately felt severe pain radiating from the bite site to his shoulder. At the hospital, he reported symptoms including repeated vomiting, unbearable pain, and the bite area began to blacken. A photo of the snake helped doctors confirm it was a monocled cobra bite. The man received intravenous antivenom and pain relief medication at the hospital and was discharged after 20 days with follow-up care for wound management. "The pain significantly decreased following this treatment. The patient did not develop any symptoms of neurotoxicity," the researchers noted. Second Incident In a separate incident, a man working in a paddy field accidentally ran over a monocled cobra with his tractor. However, when he stepped off, the supposedly dead snake bit him on the foot. The patient experienced severe pain, swelling, and discolouration at the bite site, as well as two episodes of vomiting in the hospital, indicating envenomation. Although there were no signs of neurotoxicity, the bite caused an ulcer. "Despite being crushed and presumed to be dead for several hours, the snake was capable of delivering a venomous bite, requiring antivenom treatment along with extended wound care," the researchers wrote. Third Incident In the third incident, a black snake entered a house and was killed, with its body discarded in the backyard. A neighbour who later picked up the snake's head was bitten on the finger. Within hours, the neighbour experienced difficulty swallowing and drooping eyelids. Doctors identified the snake as a black krait (Bungarus lividus) and confirmed that the bite occurred despite the snake having been dead for 3 hours. The patient's condition worsened despite receiving 20 vials of polyvalent antivenom, and he became quadriplegic and unresponsive. After 43 hours of respiratory support, his condition improved, and he was discharged from the hospital in good health after six days. Why does it happen? Based on these incidents, researchers cautioned that snakes can still deliver venom even after fatal injuries, posing a risk of severe complications. The researchers found that certain snakes' venom apparatus allows them to deliver venom even after death due to its unique structure. The venom gland, connected to a hollow fang, can still release venom if accidentally pressed while handling the severed head. This can lead to severe symptoms similar to those caused by live snake bites.
