Snakebites in India aren’t rare– and they’re definitely not just some rural horror story. They’re real, common, and in many parts of the country, a serious threat that people live with every day. Whether it’s a farmer working barefoot in the fields, someone walking to the toilet at night, or just lying asleep on the floor, getting bitten by a snake happens more often than you’d think.
India has hundreds of snake species– over 270 to be exact. But only a few of them are actually dangerous. The bad news? Those few are behind most of the serious bite cases and deaths we hear about.
The bigger issue is that many people don’t know enough. There’s a gap between the danger and the awareness. Some still rely on traditional remedies. Others wait too long to get medical help. And often, they don’t even realise how serious a bite is until it’s too late.
So, here’s something that might help. A quick look at eight snakes that are among the most venomous in India– where they’re usually found, how they behave, and why knowing even a little about them can make a big difference.