Common Cobra (Naja naja)

The cobra is the most common poisonous Snake in the India. Two species (Naja naja and Naja kauthia) are widely present across the country. The central Asian Cobra (Naja Oxina) and the Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera ) are only found in certain parts of India.

One  can identify Cobras very easily as they raise their head and spread  their hood in defense. The coloration varies from dark brown to jet  black. Cobras are associated with Indian mythology and   are  worshipped across the country.

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  Russell's Viper  (Daboia russelli)

It is a thick set, ground-dwelling Snake, with a small conical head and large nostrils. Its colour is dorsum-brown, with three rows of spots along the  body, the belly is cream in colour. It lives in grasslands or scrub  forests. They are aggressive once threatened or disturbed. The smaller younger ones are much more aggressive than adults. Once agitated,  they produce a high pitched hissing sound which is audible from even a few meters away.

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  Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

A small Viper which is distributed across the Indian Sub-continent. Even the slightest disturbance will make this Snake react aggressively. The snake makes noise by rubbing its scales together. Its venom is haemo-toxic.

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  Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)

  The Krait is largely nocturnal in nature. While it stays hidden &   dormant during the day, it becomes very alert at night. Its body is   glossy black with paired bands on the body. Kraits are widely spread across the Indian subcontinent. Studies indicate Krait's venom is more toxic than that of a Cobra. Kraits often enter people’s houses in their quest to find a cool place. People tend to get bitten when they accidentally step on the snake.

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