Monsoon Snake Season: Expert Identifies 35 Non-Venomous Species and Shares Essential First-Aid Advice Around 35 to 36 snake species in Madhya Pradesh carry no venom at all, says Khargone snake catcher Mahadev Patel. He spoke to TrendKia about how to identify these harmless species, how to read bite marks to distinguish a venomous bite from a non-venomous one, and the right steps to follow immediately after any snake bite. Why Snake Activity Spikes When the Rains Arrive The onset of the monsoon season brings a sharp rise in snake activity across central India. Driven out of their burrows by the search for prey and the need to find dry shelter, snakes frequently make their way into farmland, gardens, homes and populated localities. In Khargone and the surrounding rural belt of Madhya Pradesh, sightings and close encounters become a routine occurrence during this period. The Widespread Misconception: Every Snake Is Not Deadly The fear that grips most people during a snake encounter stems largely from a lack of information. Mahadev Patel, a well-known snake catcher based in Khargone, told TrendKia that roughly 35 to 36 snake species found in Madhya Pradesh are completely non-venomous. A bite from any of these species produces a wound but no venom enters the body. The key non-venomous species include Bronzeback (also called udan bail locally), Ghoda Pachhar, Panial, Dendu and Green Keelback. The Non-Venomous Snakes Most Commonly Found Around Khargone Four species are seen most frequently in and around Khargone: Water Dendu, Ghoda Pachhar, Wolf Snake and Bronzeback Tree Snake. These snakes tend to inhabit areas near water bodies, damp soil, gardens and the edges of human settlements. Despite carrying no venom, they can and do bite in self-defence when they feel threatened. How to Identify These Five Non-Venomous Species • Ghoda Pachhar: Long and slender in build, this species can be yellow, brown or black in colour. It is a fast mover and its instinct upon sensing a human is to flee rather than confront. • Water Dendu: Found near ponds, rivers and marshy areas. Its body carries a distinctive square or checkered pattern that makes it relatively easy to recognise. • Bronzeback Tree Snake: An arboreal species that spends most of its time in trees and shrubs. The defining feature is a gleaming bronze-coloured stripe running along its back. • Wolf Snake: Dark brown to black in colour, with white or pale stripes along its body. Its resemblance to the highly venomous krait is close enough that it is frequently misidentified, causing unnecessary alarm among people who encounter it. • Green Keelback: A slender, bright green snake that is most often found among trees and bushes. Reading the Bite Marks Can Offer a Useful Clue In many cases people are too frightened after a snake bite to get a clear look at what bit them. However, examining the wound itself provides a meaningful indicator. When a non-venomous snake bites, it leaves more than two teeth marks on the skin, because all its teeth are uniform in size and it has no dedicated fangs. A venomous snake, by contrast, typically leaves just two distinct fang puncture marks at the bite site. Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Snake Bite Mahadev Patel's primary advice is to avoid panic above all else. Fear triggers a rapid increase in heart rate and blood circulation, which in the case of a venomous bite can cause the venom to spread through the body much faster than it otherwise would. • Stay calm and keep the affected person as relaxed as possible. • Minimise movement of the bitten limb. • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water, then apply a light bandage. • Proceed without delay to the nearest hospital or health centre and seek a doctor's assessment. What this means for you • Across India: Snake bite incidents rise sharply during the monsoon season nationwide, and panic-driven reactions often worsen outcomes. This guide is especially useful for anyone living near farms, water bodies, gardens or forested areas. • In Khargone: Residents of Khargone and nearby villages are likely to encounter Water Dendu, Ghoda Pachhar, Wolf Snake and Bronzeback Tree Snake during the rains. Knowing these species are non-venomous can prevent unnecessary panic and help people respond calmly and correctly. Questions & Answers 1. How many non-venomous snake species are found in Madhya Pradesh? Approximately 35 to 36 snake species found in Madhya Pradesh carry no venom at all. 2. Which non-venomous snakes are most commonly seen around Khargone? The four species most frequently spotted in and around Khargone are Water Dendu, Ghoda Pachhar, Wolf Snake and Bronzeback Tree Snake. 3. Why is Wolf Snake often confused with a krait? Wolf Snake is dark brown or black with white or pale stripes on its body, which closely resembles the appearance of the venomous krait, though Wolf Snake is completely non-venomous. 4. How can you tell whether a snake bite was venomous or not? A non-venomous snake bite leaves more than two teeth marks on the skin, while a venomous snake typically leaves just two distinct fang puncture marks at the bite site. 5. What should you do immediately after a snake bite? Stay calm, minimise movement of the bitten limb, wash the wound with soap and clean water, apply a light bandage and proceed to the nearest hospital or health centre without delay. 6. Why do snakes come out more during the monsoon season? During the rainy season snakes leave their burrows in search of prey and dry shelter, which brings them into contact with farms, gardens and human settlements. 7. What is the identifying feature of Bronzeback Tree Snake? Bronzeback Tree Snake lives in trees and shrubs and is identified by a bright, shiny bronze-coloured stripe running along its back. https://trendkia.com/en/madhya-pradesh/barisha-men-sanpa-kata-le-to-ghabaraen-nahin-mahadev-patel-ne-batai-madhya-prade-1658 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.