Snake Bites

A reminder that we live in such a safe(?) country.........at least as far as risk from the wildlife goes.

PS I recall reading that the Krait was sometimes called the night killer or silent killer because they are attracted to the warmth of people sleeping. But if/when the person moves about in their sleep it triggers the snake to bite, the victim sadly never awakens. Many such deaths are never identified as a result of a snake bite.
 
Box Brownie said:
A reminder that we live in such a safe(?) country.........at least as far as risk from the wildlife goes.

PS I recall reading that the Krait was sometimes called the night killer or silent killer because they are attracted to the warmth of people sleeping. But if/when the person moves about in their sleep it triggers the snake to bite, the victim sadly never awakens. Many such deaths are never identified as a result of a snake bite.
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You cannot be too careful as more and more Europeans holiday in India, and similar, I don't think many even consider that there is a danger - we spend time in S Africa every year and I am always cautious of insects, snakes and scorpions etc., - we regularly get the small black scorpions inside the house and I have found them in shoes and on the bed as they hang around in the roofs and fall to the ground during the day and night.......... we normally do "as search" around the house at least once a day and we are always on the look out for snakes, etc.,

It's important to do you research before you go to such countries and to know what to do and what not to do if you are bitten, especially in the bush when you may be at least an hour from medical help - I suppose the general advice is don't panic and get to medical help asap - which of course is easier said than done.
 
Although we need to be careful, more people are killed on the roads in India alone than by snakes world wide. I often travel to Colombia and people are petrified of snakes but not speeding on mountain roads, despite one kills a lot more people than the other.
 
BillN_33 said:
we spend time in S Africa every year and I am always cautious of insects, snakes and scorpions etc
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Don't forget to be cautious of kidnaping while you are at it. S Africa has more dangerous people than there are snakes
 
davholla said:
Although we need to be careful, more people are killed on the roads in India alone than by snakes world wide. I often travel to Colombia and people are petrified of snakes but not speeding on mountain roads, despite one kills a lot more people than the other.
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I was going to say that that is unlikely, and then I checked on the Indian road toll. 138,000 people in one year. Wow. (though I would guess that something in that order would die from snakes worldwide each year. After all, 8,000 die in Sri Lanka alone)

I live in Australia in a location that has lots of snakes including lots of the Eastern Brown Snakes, which are listed as the second most venomous snake in the world. Less than 2 people per year die from snake bites in Oz. We just get a kick out of scaring tourists with stories of snakes, spiders, jellyfish, crocodiles and the like. Cars are far more dangerous.
 
keeweeman said:
"The NHS advises the following steps if you or someone else is bitten by a snake:

  • Remain calm and seek immediate medical attention."
that may as well just say stiff upper lip old bean, don't be a sissy :LOL:
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They forgot don't panic and drink tea
 
Bollygum said:
I was going to say that that is unlikely, and then I checked on the Indian road toll. 138,000 people in one year. Wow. (though I would guess that something in that order would die from snakes worldwide each year. After all, 8,000 die in Sri Lanka alone)

I live in Australia in a location that has lots of snakes including lots of the Eastern Brown Snakes, which are listed as the second most venomous snake in the world. Less than 2 people per year die from snake bites in Oz. We just get a kick out of scaring tourists with stories of snakes, spiders, jellyfish, crocodiles and the like. Cars are far more dangerous.
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Yes very true but so few people realize this.
 
Visitors to SA are in far greater danger from crime and reckless/dangerous driving than insects, snakes and arachnids. That said, malaria is a risk in the eastern parts of the country, including the Kruger Park which is popular with tourists. I wouldn't worry about snakes and scorpions.
 
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