In Bihar, India, a man was recently bitten by a snake and retaliated by biting it back because, according to local beliefs, this was thought to let the snake’s venom return to its own body. As a result, the snake was killed by the man, who managed to survive.
Reported by The Times of India, the incident took place on July 2 in Nawada, a southern region of Bihar. The individual involved is Santosh Lohar, a 35-year-old railway worker.
Lohar and his colleagues were laying railway tracks in a forest area. After having dinner that night, Lohar was getting ready to sleep when he was unexpectedly bitten by a snake. He swiftly captured the snake and bit it back twice, eventually causing the snake’s demise.
Local residents believe that if bitten by a snake, biting back is a way to ensure that the venom does not affect oneself but rather returns to the snake’s body.
Lohar was lucky to survive the incident. His colleagues, upon discovering his injury, promptly took him to the hospital, where he received treatment from Dr. Satish Chandra Sinha.
Dr. Sinha confirmed that Lohar responded well to treatment and was discharged the following morning.
Although this incident was dramatic, experts do not recommend people retaliate immediately after being bitten by a snake. Doing so could provoke the snake to bite multiple times and waste precious response time.
The renowned medical institution, Mayo Clinic, in the United States advises that after being bitten by a snake, one should move away from the snake, refrain from attempting to capture or confine it. Instead, try to remember the snake’s color and shape or take a photo from a safe distance. This information can be beneficial in identifying the snake’s species, aiding in proper treatment.
Approximately only 15% of snakes worldwide are venomous. If bitten by a venomous snake, it is essential to dial 911 for help, especially if the wound shows discoloration, swelling, or intense pain. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom, which may assist in treatment.
While waiting for help, it’s crucial to remain calm. Sit or lie down comfortably to keep the wound in a relaxed position. Wash the wound with soap and water and loosely cover it with a clean, dry bandage.
Avoid using tourniquets or applying ice. Do not attempt to cut off the bitten area or extract venom. Refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
After a venomous snake bite, the affected area typically experiences severe pain and tenderness. This can worsen, leading to swelling, bruising, and potential spread to the arm or leg. Other symptoms may include nausea, difficulty breathing, weakness, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
In some instances, snakes may bite without injecting venom. This is termed a “dry bite.”