India’s Big Four Deadliest Snakes

 

Over 300 snake species can be found in India's varied landscapes, but 90% of snakebite deaths nationwide are caused by four deadly vipers and cobras. These snakes, sometimes referred to as the "Big Four," creep silently through cities, villages, and fields.

The Iconic Indian Cobra (Naja naja)

Identification :

• Instantly recognizable by its expanding hood.
• Distinct spectacle-shaped marking. (monocle pattern)
• Colors range from glossy black to sandy brown.

Habitat & Behavior: 

• Thrives in agricultural fields, forests, and suburban areas.
• Often enters homes hunting rats and mice.
• Diurnal (day-active) but may hunt at night in hot weather.

Venom Effects: Powerful neurotoxins attack the nervous system.

Symptoms progress rapidly: 

• Blurred vision & drooping eyelids.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Paralysis leading to respiratory failure.

Critical First Aid: 

Keep victim lying flat and immobilize the bitten limb.

Remove rings/watches (swelling occurs quickly).

Transport to hospital WITHOUT DELAY. 

Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)

Identification:

• Jet-black body with thin white crossbands.
• Distinctive triangular spinal ridge.
• Shiny scales that gleam in moonlight.

Habitat & Behavior: 

• Loves rice fields, termite mounds, and brick piles.
• Extremely nocturnal – most bites occur at night.
• Uniquely docile nature. (often doesn’t hiss or strike)

Venom Effects :  

• Neurotoxins 15x stronger than cobra venom.
• Bites may initially be painless. (victims often keep sleeping)
• Deadly symptoms develop within 2-4 hours : Severe abdominal cramps, Progressive paralysi, Death by suffocation.

Survival Tip: Any unexplained muscle weakness at night = EMERGENCY

Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) 

Identification:

• Chain-like pattern of oval markings.
• Thick, muscular body with rough scales.
• Famous for its loud, hissing warning.

Habitat & Behavior: 

• Dominates farmlands across India.
• Highly territorial – strikes repeatedly when threatened.
• Responsible for most snakebite deaths in South India.

Venom Effects: Destroys blood cells, tissues, and kidneys.

Horrifying symptoms:

• Instant, excruciating pain.
• Blood oozing from gums/nose.
• Kidney failure within hours.

Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Identification:

• Small (1-2 ft) but extremely aggressive.
• Sandy color with white zigzag stripes.
• Produces warning rasp by rubbing scales together.

Habitat & Behavior:

• Rules Rajasthan’s deserts and dry scrublands.
• Hunts at dusk and dawn. (crepuscular)
• Causes highest number of bites due to abundance.

Venom Effects: Rapid tissue necrosis and internal bleeding.

Unique symptom: bleeding from old scars.