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Time of India
25-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
7 common snakes you might see during the rainy season and how to stay safe
The rainy season is a time of lush greenery and cooler temperatures, but it also brings an increased chance of snake sightings. As heavy rains flood their underground homes, snakes often seek shelter on drier land, bringing them closer to homes, farms, and roads. This seasonal shift can lead to unexpected encounters with both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Knowing which species are common during monsoon and how to avoid them can reduce your risk of bites. Here's a guide to seven snakes you might spot during the rainy season in India and essential safety tips to protect yourself and your family. 7 snakes to watch out for during the rainy season, and how to stay safe Indian Cobra Recognised for its iconic hood, the Indian Cobra is one of the most feared snakes in India, and for good reason. It is highly venomous, and a single bite can affect the nervous system, causing difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, and even paralysis. Cobras are often spotted in farmlands, gardens, and near water sources. If bitten, immediate medical attention is critical, as untreated bites can be fatal. Common Krait The Common Krait is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Asia. Its venom is neurotoxic and extremely potent, affecting the muscles and respiratory system. What makes it especially risky is that the bite is usually painless, and symptoms may not appear until hours later, often when it's too late for treatment. Kraits are nocturnal and may quietly enter homes or shelters during the night in rainy months. Russell's Viper This aggressive and venomous snake is known for its distinctive triangular head and loud hissing when threatened. Russell's vipers tend to live in grassy fields and bushy areas. A bite from this viper can cause intense pain, swelling, internal bleeding, and in severe cases, kidney failure. During monsoon, their hiding spots often get flooded, increasing the likelihood of human encounters. Saw-scaled Viper Despite being one of the smallest venomous snakes, the saw-scaled viper is highly dangerous and fast-moving. Its venom can cause extensive tissue damage, blood clotting disorders, and internal bleeding. You'll often find them in dry, open lands or farmlands, particularly after rain. They are irritable and quick to strike when disturbed. Rat Snake Large and often mistaken for the cobra, the rat snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans. It plays an important ecological role by controlling rodent populations. Rat snakes are commonly seen in residential areas, farms, and gardens. While they may look intimidating, they are not aggressive and should not be harmed. Green Vine Snake With its slender body and bright green colour, the green vine snake is usually found among trees, shrubs, and garden hedges. It is mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans. A bite may cause mild swelling or irritation at most. This snake tends to avoid confrontation and usually retreats when approached. Checkered Keelback The checkered keelback is a non-venomous water snake commonly seen around ponds, lakes, or flooded fields during the monsoon. While it may resemble a venomous snake at first glance, it is harmless and plays a role in controlling fish and frog populations. People often confuse it with dangerous species, leading to unnecessary fear or harm. Which Snake Is the Most Dangerous? According to studies , the Common Krait tops the list in terms of danger. 'Its painless bite often goes unnoticed, especially at night,' says Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company. 'But its venom is extremely potent and can quickly lead to respiratory failure if left untreated.' Monsoon snake bite prevention tips: How to stay safe during the rainy season To reduce your risk of snake bites during the rainy season, follow these precautions: Avoid walking barefoot, especially at night or in areas with thick grass or vegetation. Use a flashlight when walking in the dark or around outdoor spaces. Keep surroundings clean to deter rodents, which attract snakes. Don't reach into holes, woodpiles, or under rocks without checking. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants when walking through overgrown areas. Seek immediate medical help in case of a bite. Do not try to suck out the venom or rely on home remedies. The monsoon season is a beautiful time of year, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Staying informed and alert can help you coexist safely with the wildlife around you, even the slithery kind. Also Read: How to stop clothes from smelling in rainy season: Proven drying tips
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
You might encounter these 7 common snakes during the rainy season
During the rainy season, it is pretty standard to see more snakes than usual. Heavy rains flood their natural shelters, pushing them out in search of dry ground. This movement often brings them closer to human habitations, increasing the chance of an encounter. We spoke with Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company to learn more about these slithering creatures and discovered their risks. 1. Indian Cobra – One of the most iconic snakes in India, the Indian Cobra is highly venomous. Its bite can severely impact the nervous system and breathing. Without immediate medical attention, a cobra bite can be fatal. These snakes are often found on farms, in open fields, and areas near human settlements. 2. Common Krait – The krait is among the deadliest snakes in Asia. What makes it especially dangerous is that its bite is usually painless, so people often don't realize they've been bitten until symptoms appear. The venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or respiratory failure. Kraits are typically nocturnal and may enter homes during the monsoon season. 3. Russell's Viper – This snake is both venomous and aggressive when disturbed. Its venom can cause internal bleeding, kidney damage, and even death. It's known for its loud hissing sound when threatened and is usually found in grassy fields or bushy areas. 4. Saw-scaled Viper – Don't let its small size fool you; the saw-scaled viper is extremely dangerous. Its venom can lead to bleeding and severe tissue damage. It's fast, irritable, and commonly seen in dry, open spaces or farmlands. 5. Rat Snake – Often mistaken for a cobra due to its size and appearance, the rat snake is non-venomous and completely harmless. In fact, it helps control rodent populations, making it a beneficial presence around farms and homes. 6. Green Vine Snake – Slender and bright green, this snake typically inhabits trees and bushes. It is mildly venomous, but its bite is not dangerous to humans; at most, it may cause some local swelling or irritation. 7. Checkered Keelback – A common water snake seen near ponds, lakes, and fields after rain, the checkered keelback is non-venomous. While it is sometimes confused with more dangerous snakes, it poses no threat to humans. Among all, Sharma said that the Common Krait is considered the most dangerous. 'It's a painless bite that often goes unnoticed, especially at night. But the venom acts quickly, causing paralysis and respiratory failure if not treated in time,' he said, adding that Kraits are responsible for a significant number of snakebite deaths in India. Suggesting a few simple tips to stay protected from these venomous creatures and their poisonous bites, Sharma said: 'Avoid walking barefoot, especially at night or near vegetation. Always carry a flashlight if you're moving around in the dark.' According to him, it is also essential to keep your surroundings clean, since rodents tend to attract snakes. 'Don't put your hands into holes, woodpiles, or tall grass without checking first. In the event of a bite, go directly to a hospital. Do not rely on home remedies or try to suck out the venom,' he warned.
