Assam Study Reveals Dead Snakes Can Still Inject Venom

A groundbreaking study from Assam has revealed that dead snakes, specifically the monocled cobra and the lesser black krait, can still inject venom for up to three hours after death. This alarming finding is documented in the latest issue of the scientific journal Frontiers in Tropical Disease and marks the first recorded instances of post-mortem envenoming by these species.

A team of researchers including zoologist Susmita Thakur, biotechnologist Robin Doley, anaesthesiologist Surajit Giri, and paediatricians Gaurav Choudhary and Hemen Nath conducted the study, which highlights three cases of envenoming attributed to dead snakes. Two incidents involved monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and occurred at the Demow Rural Community Health Centre in eastern Assam’s Sivasagar district. A third case involved a lesser black krait (Bungarus lividus) treated at a Community Health Centre in southwestern Assam’s Boko.

In the first case, a 45-year-old man was bitten by a monocled cobra he had just beheaded after it attacked his chickens. The snake’s head struck back reflexively as he attempted to dispose of the body. The second victim in Sivasagar was bitten while inspecting a monocled cobra that had been crushed under his tractor. Each of the victims received 20 vials of anti-snake venom and faced hospital stays of up to 25 days. The individual bitten by the lesser black krait, which had been dead for three hours, required additional medications and ventilation support.

Dr. Giri emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “These are the first such recorded cases of envenoming by dead cobras and kraits anywhere in the world.” He explained that while the brains of warm-blooded mammals cease functioning within minutes after death, the slower metabolism of cold-blooded snakes allows their brains to remain active for up to four to six hours post-mortem. This physiological characteristic makes them capable of delivering a venomous bite if their heads or necks are disturbed.

The implications of this study are profound, particularly for individuals who may encounter these snakes in agricultural or rural settings. Awareness and understanding of such risks are crucial for preventing accidental envenomations and ensuring timely medical responses.

As research continues, the findings from Assam serve as a vital reminder of the complexities of wildlife interactions and the need for heightened caution when handling potentially dangerous creatures, even in death.