Dealing with snakes and snakebites

Snake! The very word seems to evoke a feeling of terror in the mind of the average person; but if one has better knowledge of these creatures, one can see that much of the dread is misplaced. Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about snakes, answered by P Gowirshankar, a herpetologist who has been actively associated with the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), which has had the only telemetry project for tracking the King Cobra in that region. Gowrishankar is at present located in Bangalore, pursuing his doctoral studies.

The Spectacled Cobra has a distinctly visible black mark in the neck area, that forms the 'V' when the snake opens its hood. Pic Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

1. I see a snake in my yard or house, and I don't want to go close to find out if it is poisonous or not. My first instinct is to panic. What should I do? Will my actions be different in case the snake is quiet, and in case it is moving about? What if it is in an odd place where it cannot be easily dislodged/chased off?
Yes, the first instinct is to panic, nothing much can be done about that. If you are aware and can do it, do your best to replace that fear with knowledge and act accordingly. If the snake is moving constantly keep a watch on it from a safe distance. If the snake is coiled up or resting nothing much to worry, do not disturb it but do keep a watch. Call any of the animal welfare organizations in Bangalore and they will help retrieve the snake.
2. In case I am bitten, or I see someone bitten by a snake, what should I do? (Especially if the snake is no longer around, and I cannot find out if the snake was venomous or not)
Not all snake bites are from venomous snakes. However do look out for the following symptoms and follow the first aid listed below:
General symptoms of a bite from a venomous snake:

• Wound site: Fang marks, discoloration, burning sensation, blistering of skin, local pain, oedema
• Bleeding from the wound that does not seem to stop
• Bleeding gums
• Progressive swelling of the bitten limb
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty in speaking
• Difficulty in breathing
• Drowsiness, unsteadiness

First Aid

• Calm and reassure the patient. Only a small percentage of snakebites prove serious. Panic can increase the heart rate and speed the spread of venom in the body.
• Remove any constricting items worn by the patient such as bangles, bands, bracelets, finger rings, watch and so on.
• Completely immobilize the patient: Lay them down and keep them still. Splint the bitten limb to prevent movement.
• A bitten leg should be splinted from below the ankle to the top of the thigh, and then strapped to the other leg to keep the entire lower half of the body still. A bitten arm should be splinted from the fingertips to the shoulder, and then strapped firmly (not tightly) to the side of the body.
• Keep the wound clean; do not apply mud, manure or other poultices, if the wound requires washing use uncontaminated water to gently clean it.
• Do not allow the person to walk or move about; keep them completely immobile and take them to hospital as soon after the bite as possible.
• The victim should be kept warm. Watch out for the general symptoms (listed above) and inform the doctor:

The Common Krait. Pic Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

The only remedy for venomous snakebite is anti-venom serum. Polyvalent anti-venom serum is effective against the bites of the Big Four: Common Cobra, Saw-scaled Viper, Common Krait, Russell's viper.
Note: Only if safely possible, try and get a good look at the snake (or photograph it) to help the doctor identify it, and treat the bite accordingly.
Here's what you should not do when a person has been bitten by a snake

• Do not give sedatives to calm the patient.
• Do not tie an electric cable, string or rubber tourniquet or ligatures, and do not cut the bite site, or the bitten limb.
• Do not use ice packs, electric shock or suction at the site of bite.
• Do not elevate the limb.
• Do not use potassium permanganate.
• Do not let the patient walk or run; keep them absolutely immobilized.
• Do not administer alcoholic beverage or any medication
• Do not give food or water, as both may be a choking hazard if the person vomits.
• Do not waste time with quack ‘remedies' such as ‘snake stones', or chanting mantras. Go for anti-venom serum without delay.

3. Where would I be able to get snake anti-venom in Bangalore?
Anti-venom is stocked in most leading hospitals of Bangalore, including Manipal Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Mallya Hospital, Bowring Hospital and St John's Medical Hospital.
4. Should I administer anti-venom in any case? If the snake was not a poisonous one, will the anti-venom have bad effects?
No. Medical assistance is mandatory as it has to be administered through intravenous means. It is best for doctors to take a call on whether to administer anti-venom after observing the symptoms. Unnecessary use of anti-venom may cause allergic reactions.
5. What should I do to prevent snakes  from entering my garden or home? I know they are good for the ecosystem, but I don't want to deal with them.
Keep the garden clean and free from mounds of litter. Keep flower pots away from doors and windows and do not stock them close to each other. Make sure there are no rats breeding in the garden or in the house. Keep the place well lit; else use a torch to move around.

The Russel's Viper has a distinctly triangular head, prominent because of a slender neck, with a thick body, and a thin tail. Pic Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

6. Is it true that snakes are to be found where there are termite mounds?
Not necessarily. They need to regulate their body temperature so depending on the temperature, humidity, habitat and prey base they select resting places, and a termite mound is just one such resting place.