Our Slithering friends on campus!

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus is situated in an area such that it is exposed to snakes and many other reptiles. Synapsis is presenting you with some tips to recognize the campus snakes if you have not encountered them already. 

We have gathered the pictures of snakes that the general body encountered at different places which were posted on BPHC Free Expression Group and we have checked them with the experts at an identification group of snakes and other reptiles. 

The snakes we have encountered the most on our campus are: 

1. Common Kukri snake (Oligodon arnensis)

NON-VENOMOUS

Found near CP

Also knows as Banded Kukri

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:

Above- Pale brown or orange, with black crossbands (differs from one snake to another)

Lower surface-uniform yellowish and/or brown spotted.


2. Checkered keelback (Xenochrophis piscator)

NON-VENOMOUS

Found Near Amul 

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:
Black checkered markings, olive body with, black stripes behind the eye

BEHAVIOR: Will bite readily, displays flattened neck when threatened

SIZE: Small - 60-80cm

ACTIVE PERIOD: Active day and night

3. Indian Cobra (Naja naja)

HIGHLY-VENOMOUS

Found in a washroom

It was shocking when someone posted cobra’s picture on FEG. It is a highly venomous snake.

It is one of the most feared snakes found in various parts of India, especially in South India. Although these snakes are shy, when provoked they’ll threaten by spreading a hood behind their necks.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:
Skin color is either black, olive-green or tan with cream or pale yellow bellies.
Their most specific feature is their hood, which they spread behind their neck on being irritated.

Near Medical Centre

4. Common bronzeback tree snake (Dendrelaphis tristis)

NON-VENOMOUS

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:
Long, slender snake with a pointed head and a bronze colored line running right down its back. This active snake is restless and quick, both on the ground as well as in the trees.

Found near Meera Bhawan

Tips to prevent any snake attack

• Do not try to handle any snake.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves when possible.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Be aware that snakes tend to be active at night and in warm weather.
• Wear boots and long pants when working outdoors.

Some people are misguided by the facts they listen or know from pseudo-intellectuals. But you should know what's right or wrong. So, here are some tips:

1. If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like. Do NOT approach the snake and don't try to catch it or to kill it.
2. Do NOT bleed the wound.
3. Do NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound.
4. Do NOT put ice on the bite.

Please NOTE:

The majority of snakes bite in the lower limbs and hands. The most commonly observed symptoms include pain, giddiness, and vomiting. If not treated properly, a victim can succumb within two to three days.
Doctors state that treatment within the first 48 hours post the bite is very critical. 

Most people these days are found to carry photographs of culprit snakes to the hospital to facilitate the identification of appropriate anti-serum vials.

So if you are bitten by any snake, be it venomous or non-venomous, just immediately contact the nearest hospital/Medical Centre and don't waste your time.

Keep all the emergency phone numbers handy and follow these tips the next time you encounter a campus snake!