species of snakes but none nearly as dangerous as the nightmarish “Big Four.”If you find yourself bitten by a snake in India, there’s a very good chance that the culprit is either the Russell’s viper, common, Indian cobra or the Indian saw-scaled viper. These are collectively known as the “Big Four,” not for their size but for their spread and lethality.
In rural and remote areas, where most Big Four snakebites occur and a majority of the population lives, healthcare facilities can be sparse and less equipped to handle emergencies such as snakebites. Moreover, these traditional practices are deeply rooted in the local culture, making it challenging to promote scientifically validated approaches to snakebite care. Efforts to educate the public about effective snakebite responses and the importance of rapid, professional medical intervention are crucial but often face resistance due to these long-standing cultural norms.