Association (Snakes & Man) of Prehistoric Times

Snakes, Man, Association, Prehistoric, Snakebites, Venomous, poisonous

Association (Snakes & Man) of Prehistoric Times

Snakes are mostly misunderstood and maligned, mainly out of unawareness about their factual nature and spot in the nature. As we know all snakes are predators, but of them all, because of venomous nature (snakes that use their fangs to inject toxins into their prey) of some have given an imprecise status to the whole group, as most people cannot differentiate the venomous one from the harmless one. Only a small percentage of snake (less than 300 species) species is venomous, and of those only about half population is lethal to man. Snakes usually bite out of danger in their defense. The venom that they contain is very important to them as it helps them to paralyze their prey and in digesting it.

Indian Cobra (Naja naja)

Although snakebite mortality rate worldwide according to world health organisation is likely at 81,000 to 138,000 people per year and 400,000 amputations. In India an estimated 2.8 million snakebite cases are reported according to world health organisation which leads to about 50,000 deaths per year chiefly due to poor medical treatment, superstitions and a having a large number of venomous snake population. Of all around 90 % of snakebites cases are caused by the big four group which includes such as Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, Common krait and Saw scaled viper.

Snakes are able to control the quantity of venom they infuse known the importance of it and may bite assertively for food or in defense for protection. As snakes have a restricted amount of toxin accessible at any given time therefore they do not want to waste it usually on non prey individuals.

As a result, it is been reported about 40 % of bites delivered to humans are totally defensive in nature and “dry” (without envenomation). Figures show that the majority of snakebites occur while catching, handling or trying to kill one. In any case, the snake is only defending itself. Russell Vipers, for example, are venomous, large ones and are quite dangerous due to their long fangs and the amount of venom they can inject. However, they are shy and retreating, and do not attack until ill-treated. If approached or molested, they coil up and hiss aloud as a warning to be left alone, and strike only as a last option.

Russell's viper (Daboia russelii)

On the other hand, most cases of snake attacks are totally based upon the encroachment in the snake’s territory, which make it feel trapped, cornered and provocation.

Besides, only two snake species around the world have a bad reputation of aggressors, “The Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) found in Africa and The King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) distributed throughout Southeast Asia”.

However, these creatures are totally inoffensive under numerous circumstances. It is man, who is unconcerned about them, usually having emotions ranging from religious and superstitious fright to growing repulsion and irrepressible fear generation to generation. There is always an undifferentiated view on these creatures where some are concerned while some fear from them.

It is also fascinating to note that, even if the majority of people admit to have fear or hate snakes but  still one of the most visited zone of any zoo is the snake house which itself verify that serpents are among the mystifying and mesmerizing creature, even if they are abhorrent. All of this on account of their stunning colours, patterns and their elegant crawling movements. There are some snakes around the world that are among the most beautiful animals.

Regarding serpents I keep on hearing people around phrasing; referring venomous snakes as poisonous which is not technically correct, as the term “poisonous” simply applies to those organisms that discharge their toxins when some other creature consumes them while on the other hand venomous organisms deliver toxins inside the bodies of their prey by inject it through fangs or sting. In fact there are very few serpents that truly possess poisonous nature like the North American “Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)”, whose body has the capacity to soak and hoard the toxins  of their prey viz., newts,  toads, salamanders and  whatever poisonous prey it takes.

Other than all of this, these creatures are worshiped nearly in every culture since ancient times including present scenario around the world. Worshiping serpents is one of the oldest forms of reverence.

Naga (worshiped by the name of SubarNag) figure inside a temple at Bhaderwah region of  J&K state, India

“Snakes are the most astonishing creatures, Some are dangerous  yet beneficial, because of various reasons Therefore I urge to admiring them and be safe”