Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 12/19/2011

Question
QUESTION: SIR HOW I KNOW THAT THIS SNAKE IS POISSONESS ? ANYTHING THAT TELL ME THAT THIS SNAKE IS POISSONESS PLZ TELL ME IN DETAIL..

ANSWER: Dear Rana,

There are so many species of venomous snakes in India that it would be impossible to give you all the field markings in a single email.  

If in doubt, do not approach the snake.  If it is an area where people frequent and are likely to anger the snake, then contact an expert to have it removed.  Do not risk being bitten by a venomous snake.  

If you can send a picture, I might be able to help.  But it would have to be very clear and distinct.  Many harmless snakes can mimic venomous ones, as well.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: SIR MY QUESTION IS " ANY SPECIFIC SYMBOL THROUGH WHICH WE KNOW THAT THE FOLLOWING SNAKE IS POISSONESS" ? THIS IS MY QUESTION.....U CANT UNDERSTAND MY EARLY QUESTION.......... NOW PLZ TELL ME ABOUT THIS.......

Answer
Dear Rana,

You say "the following snake" which suggests that a picture is attached, or at least some type of description.  There is nothing of the kind.

In India, the venomous snakes are numerous and there are not obvious field markings in all cases that would allow you to identify the snakes unless you know the species.  There are several good web sites showing pictures of the most common/important venomous snakes in India, such as:

http://www.squidoo.com/deadliest-snakes-of-india

http://aniketgore.hubpages.com/hub/snakesinindia

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,261746,00.html

I hope these sites will help you.

Dana