Compiled from various internet sources:
IDENTIFYING VENOMOUS SNAKES:
Spotting a poisonous snake is important in preventing and treating snakebites
There are no infallible rules for expedient identification of poisonous snakes in the field, because the guidelines all require close observation or manipulation of the snake's body.
The best strategy is to leave all snakes alone if you are no expert.
Poisonous snakes in Indiapics coming up...photobucket site down for maintainance)
1]cobra
2]Krait
3]Russel Viper
4]Saw-Scaled Viper
There are two types of toxins in snake venoms:
* Hemotoxin (blood toxin) : Hemotoxic venom attacks the circulatory system and muscle tissue causing excessive scarring, gangrene, and sometimes leads to amputation of the affected area. This venom basically destroys tissue and blood cells. In addition to killing the prey, part of the function of a hemotoxic venom for some animals is to aid digestion. The venom breaks down protein in the region of the bite, making prey easier to digest.ex : Vipers
* Neurotoxin (nerve toxin) : Neurotoxic venom attacks the victim's central nervous system and usually result in heart failure and/or breathing difficulties or even total respiratory paralysis. eg: Cobras, Kraits, Coral snakes.
Some snakes have venom that is both hemotoxic and neurotoxic.
Golden question:
Will I survive a bite from poisonous snakebite
Answer is there is a very high probability you will.More on this later
Advice on avoiding bites:
0]GOLDEN RULE:NEVER CORNER A SNAKE
1] never aggravate a dangerous animal in any way or try and provoke it into an attack.
2] do not try to capture a snake unless you are an experienced herpetologist. Never get influenced by ease with which steve Irwin captured reptiles on his show.He was a super-expert.
3] when out walking in snake zones, look down and at the the areas immediately either side of where you will be treading.
If you wish to travel at night then a torch is essential for your safety as many of these beasts are nocturnal hunters.
4] wear substantial socks and boots when wild walking.
5] do not lift up large stones or fallen vegetative matter unless absolutely necessary and if you must, proceed with extreme caution. These are favoured places for animals of the biting persuasion.
6] if a snake is within striking distance and you are lucky enough to notice it - don't panic! Stay absolutely still. These animals are very quick to strike and may strike in defence if you make a sudden movement. Move back veeery sloooowly.
DRY BITES
Lets understand what are dry bites.
Since the act of delivering venom is completely voluntary, all venomous snakes are capable of biting without injecting venom into their victim. Such snakes will often deliver such a "dry bite" (about 50% of the time)rather than waste their venom on a creature too large for them to eat. Some dry bites may also be the result of imprecise timing on the snake's part, as venom may be prematurely released before the fangs have penetrated the victim’s flesh.
More coming up in this post.................................
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