Venomous Encounters: Protecting Your Kids from Snake Bites

Snakes are a crucial part of our ecosystem, yet their presence near human habitats can pose serious threats, especially to children. Toddlers and infants, who are naturally curious and unable to communicate their distress, are at a higher risk of snake bites. In such situations, immediate and appropriate action is vital. 

The type of snakes found in a region depends on the geography and climate. In India, the “Big Four” venomous snakes are responsible for the majority of snakebite cases:

1. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) – Hemotoxic venom causes severe bleeding disorders.

2. Indian Cobra (Naja naja) – Neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis.

3. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) – Potent neurotoxic venom can lead to respiratory failure.

4. Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) – Hemotoxic venom causes tissue damage and internal bleeding.

Other venomous snakes, such as pit vipers, also exist in certain regions. If you live in an area prone to snake encounters, familiarize yourself with the local species and educate your children about them.

Children may not always express that they have been bitten, so parents should be vigilant for these signs:

• Fang marks or puncture wounds (may not always be visible)

• Swelling and redness at the bite site

• Pain and tenderness

• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting

• Weakness or paralysis (especially in cobra or krait bites)

• Bleeding tendencies in viper bites

What to Do:

1. Stay Calm and Reassure the Child – Panic can increase heart rate and spread the venom faster.

2. Immobilize the Affected Limb – Keep the child still, and tie a bandage (not too tight) 2-4 inches above the bite if the snake is known to be neurotoxic.

3. Keep the Bite Site at Heart Level – Avoid raising or lowering the limb too much.

4. Remove Tight Clothing and Jewelry – To prevent complications due to swelling.

5. Take the Child to the Nearest Hospital Immediately – Time is crucial in snakebite treatment.

What Not to Do:

• Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom.

• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or tight bandages (except in neurotoxic bites where a pressure bandage is useful).

• Do not attempt home remedies or rely on traditional healers (babas).

• Do not give the child alcohol or painkillers like aspirin, as they can worsen the condition.

To know more about venom and its effects, you can read this article on venom toxicology.

Parents should immediately take the child to a hospital with anti-venom availability. Not all hospitals stock snake antivenom, so ensure that your local healthcare centers are equipped. The child should be treated by:

• Emergency physicians – For immediate stabilization.

• Toxicologists – For venom identification and management.

• Pediatricians – If the child is under intensive care.

• Critical Care Experts – If there are severe complications like respiratory distress or multi-organ failure.

• The only scientifically proven treatment for venomous snake bites is polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV), which works against the Big Four snakes in India.

• ASV is administered intravenously under medical supervision.

• Supportive treatment such as ventilation support (in neurotoxic bites) and clotting factor therapy (in hemotoxic bites) may be needed.

At Home:

• Clear out rodent infestations – Snakes enter homes searching for food.

• Seal gaps and holes in walls or floors – Prevent snake entry.

• Keep yards clean and avoid dense vegetation near homes.

• Use mosquito nets while sleeping – Krait bites often occur at night when people sleep on the floor.

Outdoors and Play Areas:

• Avoid tall grass, woodpiles, and rocks where snakes may hide.

• Make children wear closed shoes when playing outside.

• Teach children never to touch or play with a snake, dead or alive.

For more details on first-aid responses, you can check this guide on snakebite first aid.

1. Do not panic or make sudden movements.

2. Slowly back away and do not try to kill the snake.

3. Inform local wildlife authorities if you spot a snake inside your home.

4. Educate your children to never pick up a snake, even if it looks dead.

Many traditional beliefs can endanger a child’s life:

• “A baba’s chant can cure snake bites” – No, only medical intervention works.

• “Snake venom can be sucked out” – No, this can cause further infection and is ineffective.

• “If there’s no pain, it’s not a venomous bite” – Krait bites can be painless but deadly.

Parents must rely on science-based treatments and avoid delaying medical attention.

Protecting children from venomous snake encounters requires awareness, prevention, and prompt action. Knowing the types of snakes in your area, recognizing bite symptoms, and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives. Never rely on superstitions—your child’s health and safety depend on informed decisions. By taking the right precautions and being prepared, parents can create a safer environment for their children.