City Desk :
The once near-extinct Russell’s viper, now expanding its range beyond the Barendra area to Barishal, Patuakhali, Chandpur, and even the outskirts of Dhaka, has instilled widespread fear across the country.
According to reports, 10 people have died due to snake bites this year alone.
Experts attribute the increase in Russell’s viper sightings and incidents to the destruction of the food chain.
Wildlife and environment expert Dr Abu Sayeed points out that the killing of natural predators such as foxes, guisaps, and beejis has allowed the snake population to flourish.
He suggested the importance of farmers wearing gumboots for protection. Locally known as Chandrabora or Ulubora, the Russell’s viper is one of the most venomous snakes in the world.
It bears a resemblance to a baby python, with a short and slender tail, and typically measures between three to five feet in length. The snake’s head is flat, triangular, and distinct from its neck, adorned with dark brown irregular spots like moons all over its body. These features enable it to camouflage easily in dry leaves or paddy fields.
Unlike most snakes, which lay eggs, the Russell’s viper gives birth to live young. A female viper usually delivers 20 to 40 cubs, but there have been instances of up to 80 offspring. This high reproductive rate, combined with the abundance of their prey such as mice and frogs in crop fields, contributes to the rapid increase in their population. Russell’s vipers are known for their aggressive nature. While most snakes avoid human contact, Russell’s vipers will attack if they feel threatened.
They strike with incredible speed, completing the entire process in just a sixteenth of a second, and produce a loud hissing sound similar to a pressure cooker when agitated.
The venom of the Russell’s viper is hematotoxic, causing severe tissue damage. A bite results in immediate swelling and can lead to the destruction of various organs, including the lungs and kidneys.
Without prompt medical treatment, the affected area can begin to rot within five minutes of the bite.
The Russell’s viper, once native to the Barendra region, now inhabits at least 25 districts across the country.
Significant populations are found in the basins of the Padma, Meghna, and Yamuna rivers, including areas like Manikganj, Faridpur, and Shariatpur.
This expansion has led to an increase in snakebite incidents, especially among farmers and fishermen who work in fields without adequate protective equipment.
Traditional beliefs and superstitions still prevail in rural areas, leading to delays in seeking proper medical treatment.
Although there are reports of insufficient antivenom supplies at the upazila level, Additional Director General of the Department of Health, Professor Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, assures that antivenom is being distributed in high-risk areas.
He emphasises the need for immediate hospital visits after a snakebite, as delays can be fatal without ICU support. The resurgence of the Russell’s viper poses a significant threat to public health. With more than 400,000 snakebite incidents and over 7,000 fatalities annually, the importance of awareness, protective measures, and timely medical intervention cannot be overstated.
The ongoing efforts to distribute antivenom and educate the public are crucial in combating this growing menace.