Why India’s ‘Big Four’ Snakes Are So Deadly—And 5 Life-Saving Tips From A Herpetologist

If you find yourself bitten by a snake in India, there’s a very good chance that the culprit is either the Russell’s viper, common krait, Indian cobra or the Indian saw-scaled viper. These are collectively known as the “Big Four,” not for their size but for their spread and lethality.

Unlike in the U.S., where snakebites are relatively rare and often less fatal, the Big Four snakes in India and Sri Lanka contribute to a high number of snakebite fatalities every year. These four snakes are responsible for an estimated 46,000 to 60,000 deaths annually in India. For context, that’s a substantial chunk of annual snakebite deaths globally, which is estimated at between 81,000 to 140,000.

This is due to several factors. Here are the three big ones.

1. India’s Population Density And Proximity

India, despite its relatively modest size, is the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China for the title in 2023. Despite only covering approximately 2.4% of the world’s total land area, India supports over 17.7% of the global population. This immense population density exacerbates land-use pressures and leads to significant human encroachment into natural habitats, including those inhabited by snakes.

In many parts of India, especially rural and agricultural areas—which forms the majority of Indian land—this encroachment means that human dwellings frequently overlap with the territories of the Big Four. The close proximity inevitably increases the likelihood of snake encounters and bites.

2. Relatively Poor Access To Healthcare

India’s healthcare system has seen significant improvements in the last couple of decades, particularly in metropolitan regions boasting well-equipped hospitals and rapid emergency response systems. However, these advancements are not uniformly distributed.

In rural and remote areas, where most Big Four snakebites occur and a majority of the population lives, healthcare facilities can be sparse and less equipped to handle emergencies such as snakebites.

This disparity means that timely access to effective treatment, including antivenom, is not guaranteed. The critical hours following a venomous snakebite are often lost in transit to distant medical centers, exacerbating the effects of the venom and increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes or fatalities.

And then there’s the antivenom—while India offers polyvalent antivenoms that are designed to neutralize the venom of the Big Four snakes, research indicates that the effectiveness and potency of these antivenoms are often questionable.

3. Culturally Ingrained Superstitions Combined With A Lack Of Awareness

Yes, the effects of the venom from the Big Four can be devastating. For example, the venom of the Russell’s viper can cause severe blood clotting disorders leading to bleeding, while the venom of the common krait can lead to paralysis, making it difficult for victims to breathe. These conditions can escalate quickly to fatal levels if not treated immediately and appropriately.

The issue is that culturally ingrained superstitions and traditional beliefs around snakebites are prevalent in many Indian communities—snakes are considered holy in some parts of the country.

These beliefs often advocate for first aid treatments and remedies that are not only ineffective but can sometimes exacerbate the situation. For instance, the application of tourniquets, cutting the bite area or using herbal concoctions can delay victims from seeking the medical treatment they desperately need.

Moreover, these traditional practices are deeply rooted in the local culture, making it challenging to promote scientifically validated approaches to snakebite care. Efforts to educate the public about effective snakebite responses and the importance of rapid, professional medical intervention are crucial but often face resistance due to these long-standing cultural norms.

Together, these factors create a perilous gap between snakebite occurrence and effective treatment, significantly increasing the risk and severity of complications from bites by the Big Four.

If you’re drawn to India for its lush landscapes, serene village life and enchanting rustic settings, ensuring your safety against the risk of snakebites is crucial. While the beauty and tranquility of these places are alluring, they are also habitats where some of the most venomous snakes are frequently encountered.

Here Are 5 Steps To Take To Stay Protected Against Snakebites

1. Educate yourself. Before your trip, learn about the different types of snakes you might encounter, particularly the venomous ones. Understanding their distributions, behavior, preferred habitats and appearance can help you avoid them.
2. Wear protective clothing. Always wear long trousers and sturdy boots when walking through natural areas. Thick material and good coverage can prevent bites.
3. Stay alert on trails. Stick to well-trodden paths when hiking or walking through rural areas. Avoid tall grass, piles of leaves and climbing on rocks where snakes may hide.
4. Avoid nighttime activities. Many snakes are more active at night. If you must be outdoors after dark, use a strong flashlight to guide your path and spot snakes from a safe distance.
5. Don’t disturb snakes. If you encounter a snake, give it plenty of space and do not attempt to touch, capture, kill or provoke it. Snakes will not bite unless they feel threatened.

By following these key precautions, you can enjoy the remarkable beauty of India’s natural settings more safely, minimizing the risk of dangerous encounters with venomous snakes.