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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Snakebite cases spike in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali during monsoon
By Abhishek Goyat The monsoon has brought welcome relief from the heat — and a worrying surge in snakebite cases across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. From farms and backyards to parking lots, venomous snakes are straying into human spaces, sending victims to hospitals. Doctors warn that panic and incorrect first-aid methods are putting lives at risk even when treatment is minutes away. Hospitals in the Tricity are seeing a sharp seasonal rise, with some receiving up to 10 patients a day. At Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, doctors treat an average of five–eight snakebite cases daily during the rains. 'Most come from the outskirts, but some are from within city limits,' said an emergency doctor. 'The first 60 minutes after a bite are critical — the sooner the patient reaches a hospital, the higher the chances of full recovery.' Experts stress that victims should stay still, keep the bitten limb lowered, and avoid running. Unlike dog bites, the wound should not be washed with soap or chemicals. Tight cloth ties, sucking venom, or applying herbal pastes can worsen the situation. Instead, call the Police Control Room (100), Fire Department (101), or the Health Department helpline (15400), and head to the nearest facility stocking anti-snake venom (ASV). Key treatment centres include GMCH-32, the Sector 19 dispensary, GMSH-16, PGIMER, Panchkula Civil Hospital, Mohali Civil Hospital, and private hospitals like Fortis and Alchemist, though private care can cost several thousand rupees. GMCH-32 and PGIMER confirm stocks of polyvalent ASV, effective against cobra, krait, and viper bites. 'We administer ASV only after clinical confirmation, as unnecessary use can cause allergic reactions,' a nurse said. The Chandigarh Police receives five–seven snake-related calls daily during the monsoon, coordinating with ambulances for bite victims. The Fire Department works with trained catchers to relocate snakes. 'People should avoid killing snakes and instead call us on 101,' said a fire officer. The seasonal spike, peaking July to September, is linked to flooding of snake burrows. Most patients recover fully within days if treated promptly, though severe neurotoxic bites can require longer stays and ventilatory support. One Mohali victim, recovering at GMCH-32, credited his quick arrival: 'I reached here in under 30 minutes. The doctors say that's why I'm fine today.' Another family said they abandoned herbal paste remedies after a neighbour urged them to go straight to hospital. Capt Suresh Sharma, 64, a retired Army officer, has been rescuing snakes and spreading awareness for 32 years. Based in Chandigarh, he responds to two–ten calls daily in the rainy season. He warns of the Common Krait, whose venom is 'around 15 times more potent than a cobra's' and which often bites silently while people sleep. Through his 'Serpent Saviour' platform, he urges the public to 'avoid panic, stay calm, and seek immediate medical help instead of unverified remedies'. Health officials are distributing posters listing dos and don'ts, particularly in rural belts and construction sites. Quick action, experts say, can keep the Tricity's snakebite survival rate high even as the reptiles make more monsoon appearances. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
NEVER ignore this sound! Russell's Viper's ‘Whistle of Death' is India's silent killer—and it leaves no second chance
From the lush rice fields of Assam to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan and the suburbs of Bengaluru, a chilling sound is sending waves of fear across India. It's not the noise of machinery but a deadly biological signal. The hiss of the Russell's Viper, one of India's most venomous snakes, has earned the eerie nickname 'Whistle of Death' for its uncanny similarity to a pressure cooker whistle. Far from a harmless sound, this hiss is a life-threatening warning, often heard moments before a fatal strike. With thousands of snakebite deaths reported annually in India, the rising encounters with this stealthy predator are sparking concern among rural communities and health workers alike. What is the " Whistle of Death "? A hissing sound that signals danger The Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) produces a distinct hissing noise when it feels threatened, often described as sounding like a pressure cooker releasing steam. For locals in affected areas, this noise is no longer a curious phenomenon—it's a life-or-death alert. Unlike a traditional snake hiss, the viper's sound is loud, sharp, and sudden. In quiet rural areas, especially during monsoon season when ambient noise drops, this hiss cuts through the silence like an alarm bell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible B.S. in AI & Data Science BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo Locals have quickly learned that hearing it means only one thing—get away immediately. Russell's Viper: One of India's 'big four' deadliest snakes This species is not rare; it is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the feared 'Big Four' snakes in India—the group responsible for the majority of fatal snakebites. The others include the Indian Cobra, Common Krait, and Saw-scaled Viper. Russell's Viper thrives in environments close to human habitation—farmlands, grasslands, and even suburban fringes—mainly because its primary prey is rodents, which flourish near people. How deadly is Russell's Viper venom The snake's venom is hemotoxic, meaning it attacks the blood and surrounding tissues. Victims can suffer from: Severe internal bleeding Hemorrhage and blood clotting Acute kidney failure Muscle breakdown Organ damage Just 40 mg of venom is enough to kill an adult human—and a single bite from an adult viper can deliver over three times that amount. Tragic real-life encounters highlight the threat The deadly impact of the Russell's Viper isn't just theoretical—it's being felt on the ground. In Sonitpur district of Assam, a 13-year-old boy tragically died after being bitten. He heard the hiss and instinctively ran, not realizing that physical exertion accelerates the spread of venom through the bloodstream. Similar incidents are being reported from Karnataka and Rajasthan, with hospitals noting a rise in snakebite cases—many attributed to the Russell's Viper, especially during the monsoon when snakes emerge from flooded burrows. Monsoon season increases Russell's Viper activity The monsoon rains drive snakes out of their hiding places and into open areas or human settlements. Waterlogged fields, homes, and barns become unexpected resting spots for vipers. The combination of flooded terrain, poor visibility, and barefoot villagers increases the risk of accidental encounters. According to herpetologists, Russell's Viper doesn't actively chase humans. However, it is extremely defensive and quick to react when it feels threatened. Before striking, it: Coils into an S-shape Raises its head and upper body Emits a loud, whistling hiss This is its last warning before it attacks—its version of a biological siren urging potential threats to back off. Viral videos spread awareness of the 'Whistle of Death' Wildlife expert Adil Khan, who documents snake encounters, recently posted a video of a Russell's Viper hissing loudly in a quiet village. The post went viral on Instagram, bringing national attention to how terrifying and intense the sound can be, especially for those living in vulnerable, rural areas. What to do if you hear the Viper's hiss Experts strongly advise the following: Do not investigate the source of the hiss Back away calmly and swiftly Do not try to capture or kill the snake Alert local authorities or forest department personnel if sighted If bitten: Avoid running ImmobiliSe the limb Reach a medical facility as fast as possible Do not use traditional remedies—only antivenom can save a life Urgent need for public awareness With the increase in Russell's Viper sightings and snakebite cases, especially during the monsoon, there's a growing demand for: Community education about snake safety Emergency antivenom stockpiles in rural hospitals Trained personnel in local clinics Awareness programs in schools and villages Most snakebite fatalities in India are preventable. The real challenge is timely access to treatment, particularly in remote areas. Respect the hiss. Spread awareness. Stay alert. Also Read | Female anaconda kills mating partner in rare ritual caught on camera; the reason might surprise you
India.com
3 days ago
- General
- India.com
Why Are So Many Snakes Slithering Into Delhi This Monsoon?
New Delhi: Snakes are showing up more often across Delhi this monsoon in backyards, store rooms stairwells and even under parked cars. Wildlife helplines are reporting an unprecedented rise in such calls. At first glance, it feels like an unusual coincidence. But this is not so. This is what happens when concrete replaces forest and when the rain arrives. As the city expands and green cover shrinks, these reptiles are finding new spaces to hide and hunt, often closer to people than ever before. On July 28, a snake appeared on a road divider at bustling Chandni Chowk. Just days later, one slithered out from a Noida high-rise. A three-foot royal snake was found hiding behind a cot in a leafy South Delhi home. These sightings are becoming frequent, and so are the emergency calls. Monsoon months bring the highest number of snake rescues in the city. Wildlife SOS, a Delhi-based conservation group, receives dozens of alerts each week. From plush government bungalows to cramped resettlement colonies, the calls come from everywhere. They often find snakes hiding in dark corners, seeking shelter from waterlogged burrows. Government data backs the trend. Delhi's forest department reports 157 snake rescues between May and July this year. Most of these snakes were non-venomous. The Wildlife SOS estimates it relocates more than 100 snakes per month during the rainy season. And these are only the reported cases. Some groups are more at risk than others. Sanitation workers and people in informal settlements often face the most direct encounters. Most snakes in India are harmless. Of the 310 species, only 66 are venomous or semi-venomous. But four, the 'Big Four', are responsible for most fatal bites. They are Common Krait, Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper and Saw-Scaled Viper. So why are snakes coming out more often? Professor Gaurav Barhadiya of Ramanujan College has been studying the pattern for years. He points to monsoon triggers such as lush growth, breeding season and a rise in small prey like rats and squirrels. Rain draws them out. Since their food is out, so they are out too. Climate change, he says, is another factor. People think snake numbers are growing, but that is not true. The reptiles are more visible now because their habitat is shrinking, and the earth's temperature is rising. In the summer, snakes seek cooler places like under AC vents, near refrigerators and inside bathrooms. So how do we keep them away? We cannot rebuild forests, but we can preserve what we have. Make them reptile-friendly and let the natural system absorb them again.
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
'Whistle Of Death': India's Most Dangerous Snake Hisses Like A Cooker But One Bite Can Kill
The hiss of Russell's Viper, known as the "Whistle of Death," is causing alarm from Assam to Rajasthan, leading to more snakebite cases and calls for better awareness From the lush fields of Assam to the outskirts of Bengaluru and the rural belts of Rajasthan, an eerie sound has begun to echo, sending shockwaves through communities. It's not the screech of machinery or a siren. It's the unmistakable hiss of Russell's Viper, one of the country's deadliest snakes, now earning a chilling nickname – the 'Whistle of Death". The hissing of the Russell's Viper closely resembles the whistle of a pressure cooker – loud, sudden, and unsettling. For those who live in areas where this snake has made its presence known, the sound is a dire warning that danger is near, and flight may be the only option. Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) is not a rare species. In fact, it's found widely across the Indian subcontinent. Part of the infamous 'Big Four" snakes responsible for the majority of fatal bites, alongside the Cobra, Common Krait, and Saw-scaled Viper, this snake thrives in agricultural fields, grasslands, and even urban areas. Why? Its primary prey is rodents, and where there are people, there are rats. The viper's venom is hemotoxic, meaning it targets blood and tissues, causing internal bleeding, clotting, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Just 40 mgs of its venom can kill a human. A single adult viper can inject more than three times that amount in one bite. Reports of deadly encounters have surged in recent months. In Assam's Sonitpur district, a 13-year-old boy died after being bitten. He had heard the hiss, panicked, and ran, an instinctive reaction that ironically helped the venom spread faster through his body. The boy's death has cast a pall over the village, where people now listen nervously for the tell-tale whistle before stepping outside. In Karnataka and Rajasthan too, hospitals have recorded an uptick in snakebite cases, many attributed to this highly venomous species. Monsoon season, when snakes venture out of their flooded burrows, has only amplified the threat. Despite its lethal capabilities, herpetologists maintain that the Russell's Viper is not inherently aggressive. It doesn't chase humans. But if it feels cornered or is accidentally stepped on, as often happens during farming or walking through tall grass, it defends itself with terrifying speed. Before it strikes, the viper coils into an 'S' shape, raises its upper body, and lets out its signature hiss. This isn't just a scare tactic; it's a biological siren to back off or face the consequences. Adil Khan, a wildlife expert from Satpura who documents such encounters, recently shared a viral video on Instagram that captured the moment a Russell's Viper began its warning hiss. The post has drawn attention to just how intimidating, and loud, this sound can be, especially in quiet rural landscapes. Experts advise that if you hear the hiss and suspect a snake nearby, do not investigate. Move away calmly but quickly. Trying to capture or kill the snake can trigger an attack. Snakebite survival often depends on how quickly a victim receives medical help, and many rural areas still lack rapid access to antivenom. The rise in Russell's Viper sightings and bites has prompted calls for greater public awareness and improved snakebite management infrastructure in healthcare systems. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: 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.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How long do snakes live: Python leads with 40-year lifespan and expert survival secrets revealed
Snakes have always fascinated humans, often associated with mystery, fear, and symbolism in cultures worldwide. Yet one question rarely discussed is: how long do snakes live, and how is their age determined? While human lifespans are well documented, snakes live in varied environments and show diverse lifespans depending on species, habitat, and external threats. Mahadev, a snake expert from Madhya Pradesh with nine years of experience rescuing and studying snakes, offers valuable insights into the lifespan of different species, the environmental factors affecting their longevity, and the scientific methods used to estimate their age. Average lifespan of snakes The lifespan of snakes differs based on their species and habitat. On average, most snakes live 5 to 15 years in the wild. Species frequently found in human settlements, such as garden snakes, have slightly shorter lifespans (around 8–10 years) due to habitat disturbance, road accidents, and conflict with humans. In contrast, venomous and less frequently encountered species like the Common Krait, Cobra, Russell's Viper, and Saw-Scaled Viper tend to survive longer, often exceeding 15 years. Their elusive nature, limited interaction with humans, and adaptability to wild habitats contribute to extended lifespans. Pythons are the longest-living snakes Among all snakes, pythons are known for exceptional longevity, often living 25 to 40 years under optimal conditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo Despite being non-venomous, they are apex predators due to their powerful constriction abilities, enabling them to capture and kill prey efficiently. Pythons' slow metabolism and lower risk of predation in many habitats also contribute to their extended lifespan. In captivity, with controlled diet and protection from environmental stressors, some python species have even been documented to live beyond 40 years, making them one of the longest-living reptilian species. Why snake age can only be estimated, not confirmed Unlike humans, determining the age of a snake is complex. Snakes lack visible aging markers like teeth growth rings in mammals or tree rings in plants. Instead, experts rely on indirect indicators such as: Body size and length – Generally, older snakes are larger, though growth slows as they age. Skin condition and coloration – Younger snakes often have brighter, glossier skin, while older ones may appear duller. Frequency of shedding (ecdysis) – Younger snakes shed their skin more often than mature ones. However, these are only estimates. As Mahadev explains, 'After maturity, growth slows significantly, and external features can be misleading. Snakes keep shedding throughout life, so it isn't an accurate age marker but gives clues about their overall health and stage of life.' Habitat and environmental factors affecting lifespan of snakes Environment plays a crucial role in snake survival: Human-populated areas – High risk of habitat loss, road accidents, and deliberate killing shortens lifespan. Protected forests and wilderness – Abundant food and safer conditions allow snakes to thrive and live longer. Climate and prey availability – Snakes in areas with stable prey sources and mild climates tend to live longer than those in harsh or unstable ecosystems. Why lifespan of snakes matters for conservation Understanding snake lifespan and population dynamics is vital for conservation efforts. India hosts over 270 snake species, including venomous, non-venomous, and endangered ones. By studying their lifespans and habitats, experts can predict population health, manage ecosystems, and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Also Read | Snake bite risk surges in Oklahoma doctors warn; know venomous snakes, symptoms and urgent response tips
