New Delhi, Sep.01,2025:Just like humans show reflexes through the spinal cord even after brain death, snakes too can reflexively bite after death
The Assam Incidents- Three Cases That Shocked India
In Assam, villagers have long lived with snakes. But three bizarre cases stunned even seasoned herpetologists.
- A cobra’s severed head bit a man hours after decapitation.
- A tractor-crushed cobra lashed out from death.
- A black krait, killed and discarded, bit a villager three hours later.
These incidents were reported in a scientific paper published in Frontiers in Tropical Diseases titled “A Case Report of Dead Snake Envenoming and Treatment.” (source).
Dead Snake Bite Explained: How Is It Possible?
According to the study, dead snake bite is possible because:
- Venom glands remain active for hours after death.
- Fangs work like hypodermic needles. Even without brain control, pressure on the head can release venom.
- Reflex actions from the spinal cord can trigger a bite.
Dr. N.S. Manoj, founder of the Universal Snakebite Education and Research Institute, explains:
“Just like humans show reflexes through the spinal cord even after brain death, snakes too can reflexively bite after death. Venom remains potent for hours.”
Severed Cobra Head Still Bites
- Location: Sivasagar, Assam
- Incident: A 45-year-old man killed a cobra attacking his chickens by cutting off its head.
- Shock: While disposing of the body, the severed head bit his thumb.
- Effect: His thumb turned black, pain radiated to his shoulder.
- Outcome: Treated with anti-venom, he survived.
This became the first documented dead snake bite in India’s northeast.
Tractor-Crushed Cobra Attacks Again
- Location: Assam, rural farmland
- Incident: A farmer accidentally killed a cobra under his tractor wheel.
- Shock: Hours later, when he stepped near it, the dead cobra struck his leg.
- Symptoms: Swelling, vomiting, prolonged illness.
- Treatment: Anti-venom, antibodies, 25 days of hospital care.
- Outcome: Survived, but recovery was slow.
This case proved that even crushed snakes pose risk if venom glands remain intact.
Black Krait Strikes After 3 Hours
- Location: Kamrup, Assam
- Incident: Villagers killed a black krait and dumped it behind a house.
- Shock: Three hours later, a man picked it up with bare hands. The “dead” krait bit his finger.
- Symptoms: Initially painless. Hours later, neurotoxic symptoms—anxiety, numbness, body pain—appeared.
- Treatment: Hospitalized, given anti-venom.
- Outcome: Survived after six days of treatment.
Kraits are among the most venomous snakes in India, and this dead snake bite could have been fatal.
Science Behind the Mystery
Why does a dead snake bite?
- Venom Mechanics: Snake venom works like saliva but is stored in specialized glands connected to fangs. Pressure—intentional or accidental—can release venom even after death.
- Spinal Reflexes: Reflexes continue for hours after brain death. If touched, a dead snake may “bite” due to nerve activity.
- Venom Potency: Venom does not lose potency immediately after death. It remains active for hours.
This explains why dead snake bite cases occur across the world, not just in Assam.
Which Snakes Are Most Dangerous After Death?
Experts list species with high post-mortem risk:
- Cobras (Elapidae family)
- Kraits (Elapidae)
- Russell’s Viper (Viperidae)
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Rattlesnakes (USA)
- Brown Snakes (Australia)
- Coral Snakes
In India, Russell’s viper and kraits cause the most fatalities, making dead snake bite from these species especially dangerous.
Expert Warnings and Safety Measures
Dr. Manoj warns:
- Never touch a snake, alive or dead, with bare hands.
- If a snake must be removed, use sticks or call trained snake handlers.
- Do not play with or display a dead snake—it can still kill.
He compares the danger to a loaded syringe:
“A dead snake’s head is like a syringe filled with venom. One careless move, and the venom is injected.”
Cultural Myths and Misbeliefs
In Tamil Nadu, villagers believe that touching a dead green snake makes one a better cook. Experts dismiss this as dangerous superstition.
Snake myths across India include:
- Dead snakes “seek revenge” in dreams.
- Carrying a dead snake brings good luck.
- Burning a snake’s body prevents its spirit from returning.
Scientists caution: these myths can cause fatal accidents by encouraging people to handle dead snakes.
The Way Forward- Research and Awareness
- More Studies Needed: As Dr. S.R. Ganesh of Kalinga Foundation notes, there is no precise data on how long venom remains active after death.
- Awareness Campaigns: Villagers must be taught that dead snake bite is real.
- Wildlife Protection: Killing snakes is illegal under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Instead, experts should be called.
The Assam study is only the beginning. Researchers emphasize further toxicological studies to save lives.
The chilling reality of dead snake bite forces us to rethink assumptions. Snakes can kill even after death—not out of revenge, but because of biology, venom glands, and spinal reflexes.
For villagers in Assam and beyond, the message is clear:
Never touch a dead snake. Respect it, report it, but don’t handle it.
Science confirms what folklore has long whispered: in the world of snakes, death does not always mean the end of danger.
