Snakes: Friends, Not Foes
Hello Friends,
In this blog, I will share some essential knowledge about snakes. These creatures are often misunderstood, yet they play a vital role in nature and in human life. Let’s explore their importance, cultural significance, and what to do in case of a snakebite.
🐍 Why Snakes Are Our Friends
Snakes are one of the most fascinating creations of nature. Unfortunately, many people fear them due to misconceptions and lack of awareness.
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Not all snakes are venomous – In India, only a handful of snake species are venomous.
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Snakes bite only when provoked – They usually attack humans accidentally or in self-defense.
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Fear kills more than venom – Every year, about 3 out of every 100 snakebite victims in India die, often due to panic or lack of timely treatment. With proper medical care, survival is almost certain.
🕉️ Snakes in Indian Culture and Religion
In Hinduism, snakes hold a sacred place:
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Snakes are revered as symbols of divine power.
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Ancient scriptures describe them as manifestations of God.
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Killing a snake is considered a sin in many Indian traditions.
Thus, snakes are not just important biologically but also spiritually significant in our culture.
🌾 Snakes as Protectors of Agriculture
Snakes are natural pest controllers, helping to protect our crops and food storage.
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Rodent control – Mice and rats destroy 15–20% of India’s total grain every year.
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Snakes feed mainly on rodents, preventing huge agricultural losses.
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Without snakes, rodent populations would increase rapidly, causing food shortages.
💊 Medicinal Value of Snake Venom
Snake venom is not only dangerous but also extremely valuable in medicine.
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Used in the preparation of anti-venom serum (life-saving for snakebite victims).
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Plays a role in medicines for paralysis and certain blood disorders.
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Research continues to discover new medicinal uses of snake venom.
Thus, snakes indirectly contribute to saving countless human lives.
🚑 First Aid for Snakebite
If someone is bitten by a snake, follow these steps immediately:
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Keep the victim calm – Reduce movement to slow venom spread.
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Clean the wound – Wash gently with soap and clean water, then cover with sterile cotton or bandage.
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Apply a band above the bite – Tie a cloth 7–8 cm wide above the bite (closer to the heart), wrapped 3–4 times. Ensure it is firm but not too tight (one finger should fit easily under the band).
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Do not delay medical help – Take the victim to the nearest hospital or doctor immediately. Use a stretcher if available.
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Identify the snake (if possible) – Inform the doctor about the species if safely recognized.
⚠️ The only effective treatment for venomous snakebite is Anti-Venom Serum. With prompt medical care, the chances of survival are nearly 100%.
🐍 The “Big Four” Venomous Snakes of India
India has about 250 snake species, but only around 50 are venomous. Of these, the most dangerous and common on land are the “Big Four”:
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Indian Cobra
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Common Krait
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Russell’s Viper
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Saw-Scaled Viper
These species are responsible for most serious snakebite cases in the country.
Snakes Commonly Found in Gujarat
In Gujarat, cobras and kraits are sometimes spotted in green or rural areas. Due to lack of awareness, some people mistakenly identify Russell’s viper as a python—an error that can be extremely dangerous if the viper bites.
The King Cobra is one of the most famous snakes in India and is mostly found in South India.
In farms and gardens, people often encounter the Rat Snake (ધામણ) and the Boa (આંધળી ચાકણ). Both of these are non-venomous and generally harmless to humans.
Thank you for reading!
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog, “Snake & Me”—I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Jai Hind
