As the rainy season sweeps across the region, encounters with snakes become more frequent, often catching us off guard. While many of us might think we can distinguish between dangerous and harmless snakes, the reality is that most people struggle to tell them apart. This confusion can have dire consequences, particularly when it comes to the Russell Viper, a snake frequently mistaken for a python.
Experts warn that this mix-up can be deadly. Although the Russell Viper and pythons might share a somewhat similar structure, the differences are crucial. Swapnil Khatal, a wildlife expert with 22 years of experience, emphasizes that the Russell Viper is the most dangerous venomous snake in Asia. Its venom is a potent hemotoxin that causes blood clotting and severe internal damage. As the toxin spreads, it leads to tissue rupture and exerts immense pressure on the heart, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest.
Unlike neurotoxic snakes, which act quickly and can be fatal within hours, the hemotoxin of the Russell Viper causes more insidious damage, making it equally, if not more, perilous.
Abhishek, Project Manager at the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society working in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, West Champaran, Bihar, shares that out of the approximately 2,700 snake species worldwide, only 10 percent (around 270-300 species) are venomous enough to be lethal. In India, where about 367 snake species have been recorded, only 10 percent are venomous.
With the rainy season in full swing, it’s crucial to be vigilant and informed about the dangers posed by these snakes. Misidentifying a Russell Viper for a non-threatening snake could have fatal repercussions, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and caution.
