7 common snakes you might see during the rainy season and how to stay safe
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
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Time of India
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- 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
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Monsoon alert: Snake sightings surge—how to identify which ones are dangerous
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