Snake species found capable of injecting venom even after death – with no loss of potency
The animal species that can kill after they’re dead
- A new study from India confirms that deadly snake species, including Indian monocled cobras and kraits, can still inject venom hours after death.
- This ability, previously thought to be limited to a few species, including American rattlesnakes, copperheads, Asian and sub-Saharan spitting cobras, and Australia’s red-bellied black snakes, is attributed to the unique structure of their venom apparatus, allowing stored venom to be released if the gland is accidentally pressed.
- The research documented three severe cases in Assam, India, where individuals were envenomated by snakes that were either decapitated or presumed dead.
- One incident involved a man bitten by a black krait that had been dead for three hours, resulting in severe neurotoxic symptoms and prolonged respiratory support.
- Scientists warn that post-mortem envenomations can lead to clinical symptoms as severe as those from live snake bites, urging caution when handling deceased snakes.