# Monsoon Rains Trigger a Surge in Snake Sightings, Palamu Expert Explains the Science Behind It

> Monsoon rains have triggered a sharp rise in snake activity in Palamu district. Snake expert Dr. D S Srivastava explains how snakes sense their surroundings through smell and vibration, and debunks the popular myth about snakes tracking a killer's scent.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Jharkhand · **Published:** 2026-07-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/jharkhand/barasata-ke-mausama-men-kyon-teja-ho-jati-hai-sanpon-ki-sakriyata-palamu-ke-dr-srivastava-ne-khola-vaijnanika-raja-4797 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Snakes, Monsoon, Palamu, Snake Expert, Jacobson's Organ, Snakebite, Wildlife Safety

The onset of the monsoon season has brought a sharp rise in snake sightings across the fields, gardens and residential localities of Palamu district. Along with this increase in activity, several rumours and myths about snakes have also begun to spread among residents. Snake expert Dr. D S Srivastava from Palamu has now explained the real science behind this seasonal surge and dismissed some widely believed misconceptions.

## How snakes sense their surroundings
According to Dr. Srivastava, snakes possess an extremely sharp ability to detect scent. They pick up on microscopic chemical particles in the air and vibrations in the ground to sense every movement around them. This is precisely why snakes appear far more active during the rains, a period that coincides with their search for food and their breeding season. He clarified that snakes do not smell the way humans do. Instead, they repeatedly flick out their forked tongue to gather chemical particles from the air and the ground. These particles are then carried to a special sensory organ inside the mouth known as the Jacobson's organ, which gives the snake information about prey, potential mates and its surrounding environment. Additionally, several snake species have specialised heat-sensitive pits on their heads, called pit organs, which allow them to detect the presence of warm-blooded creatures nearby.

## Why the monsoon is peak breeding season
Dr. Srivastava explained that most snakes enter their breeding period during the monsoon months. During this time, they rely on chemical signals called pheromones to identify a mate. However, he firmly rejected a widely circulated belief, that killing a snake leaves its scent on a stick or on clothing, and that another snake then tracks that same scent all the way to the person responsible. He said this claim has no scientific backing whatsoever. His advice to people is to stop believing such myths and rely only on verified, scientifically sound information.

## Snakes are a farmer's quiet ally
Dr. Srivastava also pointed out that snakes are extremely beneficial to the environment. By keeping the population of rats and other harmful creatures in check in the fields, they help protect farmers' crops from damage. His recommendation is that if a snake is spotted anywhere, people should avoid trying to kill it and instead maintain a safe distance while immediately informing a trained snake rescue team or the forest department. Attempting to catch or kill a snake without proper knowledge or experience can turn out to be extremely dangerous.

## Precautions to take during the rains
During the monsoon season, it is important to keep homes and their surroundings clean, trim bushes and shrubs regularly, and avoid leaving grain or garbage lying out in the open. Dr. Srivastava noted that a little caution combined with the right information can go a long way in reducing the risks associated with snakes.

## What this means for you
- **Across India:** Snakebite cases typically rise during the monsoon nationwide, so having the correct scientific information helps people react sensibly instead of falling for rumours.
- **In Palamu:** Anyone spotting a snake in fields, gardens or near homes in the district is advised to keep a safe distance and inform the forest department or a trained rescue team rather than attempting to kill it.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Why does snake activity rise during the monsoon?
The rainy season overlaps with both the food-searching period and the breeding season for snakes, making them far more active.

### 2. Do snakes smell the way humans do?
No, snakes gather chemical particles from the air and ground using their forked tongue and process them through the Jacobson's organ.

### 3. Does killing a snake make another snake track down the person through its scent?
According to Dr. D S Srivastava, this widely believed claim has no scientific backing.

### 4. What should someone do if they spot a snake?
Maintain a safe distance instead of trying to kill it, and immediately inform a trained snake rescue team or the forest department.

### 5. How are snakes useful to farmers?
Snakes keep the population of rats and other harmful creatures in fields under control, protecting crops from damage.

### 6. What precautions help reduce snake-related risk during the rains?
Keep homes and surroundings clean, trim bushes regularly, and avoid leaving grain or garbage out in the open.

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