The ongoing flood is wreaking havoc on human lives, livestock, wildlife, and properties in affected areas of Bangladesh. Floodwater is washing away houses, trees, cattle, and people with the current. Apart from the rampage of floodwater, people also die from snake bites and other poisonous insects during the rainy season. To prevent such unwanted loss of lives, mass awareness is needed. Why Do Floods Increase Snake Movement? Floodwaters disrupt the natural environment, forcing snakes to leave their habitats in search of dry land. In a country like Bangladesh, where rivers crisscross the landscape, the risk of encountering snakes during and after a flood is particularly high. These reptiles may enter homes, fields, and even urban areas as they seek refuge from the rising waters. Types of Snakes Commonly Found in Flood-Affected Areas In Bangladesh, both venomous and non-venomous snakes prevail. A few of the common species are: Russell’s Viper: One of the most dangerous venomous snakes in Bangladesh.Common Krait: Known for its potent venom and nocturnal behavior.Spectacled Cobra: A venomous snake that is often found in residential areas.Rat Snake: Non-venomous but can be mistaken for a cobra due to its size. Knowing the types of snakes in your area can help you stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Read more: Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know Cautions Before Inundation to Minimise the Risk of Snake Encounters  Preparation is key to reducing the risk of snake attacks during a flood. Here are some steps you can take before the floodwaters rise: Secure Your Home Ensure that your home is as snake-proof as possible. Check for gaps and holes in walls, doors, and windows where snakes could enter. Seal these openings with caulk or other suitable materials. Pay special attention to areas around pipes and drains, as snakes can use these as entry points. Clear Your Surroundings Keep your yard and surrounding areas clear of debris, tall grass, and piles of wood or trash. These can serve as hiding spots for snakes. Regularly trim bushes to reduce the likelihood of snakes taking up residence near your home. Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Double-check Household Items Store food, water, and other essential items on elevated platforms to avoid attracting snakes into your home during a flood. Snakes may enter buildings in search of food, and eliminating potential food sources can reduce this risk. Educate Your Family Teach your family members, especially children, about the dangers of snakes and how to identify common species in your area. Make sure everyone knows how to respond if they encounter a snake, including keeping a safe distance and notifying an adult immediately. Safety Measures During the Flood to Avoid Snake Attacks When floodwaters rise, snakes are more likely to be on the move. Here’s how to stay safe: Stay Indoor If possible, stay indoor during the height of the flood. Snakes may be swimming in the water or seeking shelter on dry ground. Avoid wading through floodwaters, especially in areas where visibility is low. Read more: Hollywood's Top 10 Most Thrilling Snake Films Use a Stick to Probe Ahead If you must walk through floodwaters, use a long stick to probe the ground ahead of you. This can help you detect any hidden snakes before stepping on them. Wear boots and long pants to protect your legs from potential bites. Be Cautious Around Debris Floodwaters can carry debris like logs, branches, and trash, which may provide hiding spots for snakes. Be cautious when moving or working near debris, and avoid reaching into areas where you cannot see clearly. Keep Your Home Well-Lit Snakes tend to avoid well-lit areas. If you’re using a generator or battery-powered lights, keep your home well-lit at night to deter snakes from entering. Read more: Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know

Snakes have slithered their way into Hollywood, captivating audiences with their menacing presence and deadly allure. These reptiles have become iconic in horror and adventure films, from giant anacondas to venomous vipers. Let’s delve into the spine-chilling journey and discover the best Hollywood snake films celebrating the most thrilling snake moments on the silver screen. Greatest Movies Involving Snakes Made in Hollywood Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Grossing $330 Mn Part 1 (2010); $1.3 Bn Part 2 (2011) These cinematic gems comprise the two-part adaptation of J. K. Rowling’s 2007 novel, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, concluding the acclaimed Harry Potter film series. Directed by David Yates, these movies chronicle Harry Potter’s quest, at Dumbledore’s behest, to locate and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes – keys to his immortality. Daniel Radcliffe stars throughout the franchise as the titular character, alongside Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Read more: ‘Emon Jodi Hoto’: a unique rendezvous of popular Bengali literary characters on television While snakes aren’t central to any single instalment of the franchise, an integral character named Nagini, a snake, plays a pivotal role. Its scenes are intense and suspenseful, especially knowing it is both a deadly predator and a crucial part of Voldemort's plan. The franchise’s final chapter earned acclaim, securing the Best Special Visual Effects accolade at the British Academy Film Awards. Part 1 has an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 77%, while Part 2 is rated 8.1/10 on IMDb and holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%. The Jungle Book | 2016 | Grossing USD 966 Million Directed and produced by Jon Favreau, this fantasy adventure film is a live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved 1967 animated classic. Neel Sethi shines as Mowgli, the orphaned human child guided by his animal mentors. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating the perilous threats of Shere Khan. Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, Christopher Walken, and Giancarlo Esposito lend their talents through motion capture and voice performances in the film. Read more: ‘Toofan’ storms in global ticket sales, scheduled for India release on July 5 In ‘The Jungle Book’, Kaa the python is a hypnotic and deadly predator. The fear she instils comes from her ability to manipulate and deceive Mowgli, making her a lurking, ever-present threat in the jungle apart from Shere Khan. Celebrated for its ground-breaking visual effects, this movie garnered prestigious awards at the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Critics' Choice Awards. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark | 1981 | Grossing USD 354 Million This famous action-adventure movie stars Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, an intrepid archaeologist. The U.S. government enlists him to locate the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis harness its formidable powers.  Apart from Ford, the action-adventure movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Paul Freeman, Karen Allen, Ronald Lacey, Denholm Elliott, and John Rhys-Davies. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Releasing in July 2024 Although not a snake-focused film, the unforgettable scene of Indiana Jones and Marion sealed into the snake-infested Well of Souls remains one of cinema's most iconic snake moments. The legendary film earned five Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. The movie boasts an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%. Beowulf | 2007 | Grossing USD 196.4 Million  Bringing the Old English epic poem Beowulf to life, Robert Zemeckis produced and directed this animated fantasy film. The action film features the voices of popular actors like Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, and Alison Lohman. The movie delves into the legendary exploits of Beowulf, a renowned monster hunter who ventures to Denmark to confront a terrifying beast. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn, plunging him into a shocking experience unlike any he has ever faced before. Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in July 2024: Thrillers, Dramas, and Comedies Unveiled While not entirely focused on snakes, ‘Beowulf’ includes a terrifying depiction of the monster, which has serpent-like qualities. However, the main twist awaits the audience in the end, weaving a sense of epic horror more than any snake movie. Anaconda | 1997 | Grossing USD 136.8 Million Directed by Luis Llosa, this adventure horror film features an ensemble cast including Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Owen Wilson, Eric Stoltz, and Jonathan Hyde. The movie follows a documentary crew in the Amazon rainforest led by a skilled snake hunter in pursuit of a colossal, mythical green anaconda. The suspenseful atmosphere, combined with the snake's sheer size and strength, creates a sense of dread. The film's use of practical effects and animatronics makes the snake appear more realistic and menacing, heightening the horror. Read more: Star Cineplex to premiere 'A Quiet Place: Day One' on June 28

Snakes play a crucial role in our environment and ecosystem. However, when enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, and traveling, encounters with snakes can pose significant risks, including dangerous bites. Understanding how to stay safe from snakes during these adventures is essential to prevent incidents and ensure enjoyable experiences. Tips to Stay Safe During Outdoor Adventures Follow Designated Paths Snakes often inhabit areas with dense vegetation and rocky terrain. Sticking to marked trails reduces your chances of encountering them. Trails are usually well-maintained and provide a clear view of the path ahead, allowing you to spot snakes from a distance. Venturing off the beaten path can lead you into a snake’s natural habitat, increasing the likelihood of an unwanted encounter. Wear Protective Attire When hiking or trekking, it's crucial to dress appropriately. Wearing long pants, thick socks, and high boots can help protect your legs and feet from snake bites. Snakes typically strike at lower extremities, so covering these areas can offer significant protection. Choose clothing made from sturdy material to create an effective barrier between your skin and a snake’s fangs. Be Aware of Your Surroundings Constant vigilance is key to avoiding snake encounters. Always watch where you step, especially in areas with tall grass, under rocks, or near logs, where snakes like to hide. Using a walking stick to probe the ground ahead of you can help detect snakes before you get too close. Additionally, be cautious when sitting down or reaching for something on the ground, as snakes can be difficult to spot and may be hidden in the underbrush. Read more: Madhabkunda Waterfall: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Avoid Handling Snakes It is crucial to resist the temptation to touch or handle a snake, even if it seems dead. Some snakes can still bite reflexively after death, posing a significant risk. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations and maintaining balance. Observing them from a safe distance is the best way to appreciate these fascinating creatures without putting yourself in danger.

The recent sightings of Russell's vipers in rural areas and urban outskirts of Bangladesh have led to increased fear among the public. Widespread rumours have further led to misinformation, misguiding people and causing panic. To address this, it is crucial to evaluate facts about the snake, ensuring communities are better prepared to handle abrupt encounters. Let's go over facts, myths, and the origin of Russell's viper. Introducing Russell's Viper This venomous snake, known scientifically as ‘Daboia russelii’, belongs to the family Viperidae. The species was named in honor of Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist renowned for his pioneering descriptions of many snakes native to India. The genus name, ‘Daboia’, is derived from a Hindi word meaning ‘that lies hid’ or ‘the lurker’. However, recent studies have reclassified these South Asian snakes as a separate species, ‘Daboia siamensis’. The type locality is specifically listed as Coromandel Coast, India, as inferred by Russell in 1796. This southeastern coastal region of the Indian subcontinent borders the Bay of Bengal, where Bangladesh is also located. In Bangladesh, the snake is known as ‘Chandrabora’. Originally, this viper was primarily found in the Barendra region of Bangladesh. However, its range has expanded significantly to include areas along the banks of the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers. The spread of this snake has caused widespread panic in numerous regions, including Barishal, Patuakhali, Manikganj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Chandpur, and even villages on the outskirts of Dhaka. Presently, this venomous reptile is reported in at least 25 districts across Bangladesh. Read more: Locals rush to catch Russell’s vipers after bounty announcement by Faridpur AL leader Russell's Viper: Myth vs. Reality False information regarding this viper has been spreading across social media platforms, causing extensive public panic in Bangladesh. These misleading posts have generated significant misconceptions about the snake and its prevalence. However, the facts differ greatly from these rumors. Let's explore the most popular myths and the truths behind them. Native or Non-native to Bangladesh? Contrary to popular belief, Russell’s viper is native to Bangladesh as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. It was initially described in 1797 by English naturalist George Shaw and illustrator Frederick Polydore Nodder. According to the article ‘Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) in Bangladesh: Its Boom and Threat to Human Life’, of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Science in 2018, two species of these snakes exist globally. Daboia Russelii is found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, whereas Daboia siamensis inhabits China, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Taiwan. The species was classified as 'critically endangered' in 2000 and remained 'near-threatened' at least until 2015 in Bangladesh by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Read more: What to do when you encounter a Russell's Viper: Environment Ministry issues guidelines Chasing People to Bite? In 2021, Mongabay published a research paper titled ‘Tracking Russell's viper in rural Karnataka unravels their behavior’, authored by organismal biologist Xavier Glaudas. Throughout his study, Glaudas had numerous close encounters with these vipers, yet remarkably, he was never bitten. He attributed this to the snake's tendency to remain concealed within vegetation. These vipers typically exhibit immobility when approached, occasionally retreating deeper into foliage or retracting their heads for camouflage.

Following the announcement of a Tk 50,000 bounty for catching a Russell’s viper alive, residents along the Padma riverbank in Faridpur have become desperate to capture the snakes. Last Thursday, Shah Md Ishtiak Arif, general secretary of the Faridpur district unit of the Awami League, announced the Tk 50,000 bounty for each live Russell’s viper in the Kotwali area of Faridpur. He made the announcement during a speech at a meeting over the party's founding anniversary. What to do when you encounter a Russell's Viper: Environment Ministry issues guidelines In response to the announcement, Rezaul Khan, a farmer from Aliabad union, found a Russell’s viper while working on his land and captured it, confining the snake in an aluminum pot. He then took the snake to Ward Councillor Awlad Hossain, who instructed him to submit it to the local forest department and obtain an acknowledgement letter. However, Rezaul expressed frustration as the forest department authorities neither accepted the snake nor provided an acknowledgement letter. Over the past two days, several snakes have been caught and taken to the forest department, creating chaos as people sought receipts for their captures. Health Minister orders ensuring adequate stock of Russell's Viper antivenom in all hospitals Golam Kuddus Bhuiyan, Divisional Forest Officer, stated that there is no legal provision for catching these snakes, and doing so is considered illegal. "We can’t provide any acknowledgement letter for this. So far, three people have tried to submit snakes expecting a bounty until Sunday noon. We are facing a problem," he said. Meanwhile, Rezaul took the snake to the Faridpur Press Club on Saturday night.

Amid growing concerns over the recent sightings of Russell's Viper (Chandrabora) in various parts of the country, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued vital information and guidance to ensure public safety and welfare. Understanding the Russell's Viper Threat While the presence of Russell's Vipers is alarming, it is essential to note that human encounters with these snakes are unlikely. These snakes typically inhabit lowland grasslands, thickets, open forests, and agricultural areas, avoiding human settlements. Their earth-colored bodies allow them to blend seamlessly with the ground, increasing the risk of accidental encounters. Russell's Vipers are excellent swimmers and have spread to different regions of Bangladesh through river currents and floodwaters. Consequently, the public is urged to exercise increased caution, especially in flood-prone areas. Health Minister orders ensuring adequate stock of Russell's Viper antivenom in all hospitals Safety Guidelines to Prevent Snakebites To minimize the risk of snake bites, the Ministry recommends the following precautions: Exercise caution in snake-prone areas: Be vigilant when driving or walking in areas where Russell's Vipers have been spotted. Avoid tall grass and bushes: Steer clear of reaching into holes or moving through tall grass and bushes without visibility. Wear protective clothing: Use boots and long pants when working in or traversing affected areas. Use lighting at night: Carry a torch or flashlight when moving around at night to spot snakes. Maintain clean surroundings: Keep your home and its surroundings clean and free of garbage to avoid attracting snakes. Handle fallen debris with care: Take special care when removing fallen trees, firewood, and straw. Do not confront snakes: If you encounter a snake, do not try to catch or kill it. Instead, call the National Helpline at 333 or inform the nearest Forest Department office. Read more: Child dies from snakebite in Manikganj Immediate Actions After a Snakebite In the unfortunate event of a snake bite, follow these crucial steps: Minimize movement: Do not move the bitten limb. If bitten on the leg, sit down and avoid walking. If bitten on the hand, keep it still. Movement can cause the venom to spread more quickly through the bloodstream. Clean the wound: Gently wash the affected area with soap or wipe with a wet cloth. Remove restrictive items: Take off watches, jewelry, or tight clothing near the bite site. Avoid harmful interventions: Do not prick, needle, or apply ointments or other substances to the bite. Seek immediate medical help: Avoid wasting time with traditional healers (Ojha). Go to the nearest hospital or healthcare center as soon as possible. Stay calm: Do not panic; Russell's viper antivenom is available free of charge at government hospitals. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen has assured that the country has sufficient antivenom supplies and hospitals have been instructed to stock them adequately. Measures to Control Russell's Viper Population Certain wildlife species such as mongoose, monitor lizards, forest cats, eagles, cranes play a crucial role in controlling the Russell's Viper population by preying on them. The indiscriminate killing of these animals has led to an increase in the viper population. The Environment Ministry urges the public to avoid killing these wildlife species or destroying their habitats. Protecting these natural predators helps maintain ecological balance and controls the Russell's Viper population. Environmental Importance of Russell's Vipers The Russell's Viper is a protected species under Section 6(1) of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. These snakes play a significant role in maintaining environmental balance and biodiversity by controlling rodent populations and contributing to the production of life-saving medicines from their venom. Killing these snakes is a punishable offense, and the public is advised against such actions. Government and Community Actions Under the guidance of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, the Bangladesh Forest Department is implementing various measures to address the situation. Local authorities and community organizations are requested to conduct awareness programs to educate the public about safety measures and the importance of preserving wildlife. The situation is being actively monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary to ensure public safety and environmental conservation. Read more: Lethal Russell's Viper snake rescued in Kushtia

A baby snake was killed bit by a 16-month old child at Ujalpur village in Begampur union of Chuadanga on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the morning when the child named Jannatul Ferdous bit the snake as she was playing at her house. Parents of Jannatul immediately took her to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital with the bitten snake where the doctors kept her for observation for three hours after giving primary treatment. Duty doctor Afrina Islam said the species of the snake has not been identified yet. Also Read: Rare red coral kukri snake rescued in Thakurgaon “If the snake had bitten the child she would have shown some symptoms during the three hour of observations.  As she didn’t we sent her back home,” said Dr Mahbubur Rahman Milon, Junior Consultant Child Specialist of the hospital. “As Jannatul bit the snake’s trachea it died immediately. The snakes’s species was not identified but it was poisonous,”he added. Jannatul’s mother said, ”Jannatul was playing with her cousin when suddenly she went under the bed and after a few moments we found the severed body of the snake in her hand. Fortunately it did not bite her and she was unharmed.”

A red coral kukri snake was rescued by local residents from the Bara Balia area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila on Thursday night. "Instead of killing the snake, a local resident, Jaynal, informed the forest department," said Sahidul Islam, Wildlife Conservator and Rescuer. Read: Rescued python released in Sundarbans Md Mahbubur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Thakurgaon district, said the snake "is safe in the custody of the district authorities". According to researchers, this rare mild venomous snake was spotted not more than 30 times across the world. In a span of three months last year, this snake was spotted five times in the northern district of Panchagarh in Bangladesh. On February 7, 2021, for the first time, the first one was found in an injured condition in Panchagarh. Then again on February 26, a dead one was found in Chaklahat. On April 20, a third one was found alive and the fourth one on May 10 was found dead in the same district last year. Read: 12ft-long python rescued in Bagerhat According to an Indian media report, this rare snake was first spotted in the Lakhimpur Kheri area of Uttar Pradesh state in 1936 from where it got its scientific name ‘Oligodon kheriensis’. The suffix ‘kukri’ in its name comes from kukri or curved knife of the Gorkhas as its teeth are curved like the blade of the weapon. It has been spotted a few times in India's hilly state of Uttarakhand.

A 12ft-long python was rescued by forest officials from a paddy field in Sarankhola upazila of Bagerhat on Monday. The snake was later released in the Sundarbans. However, the python had attacked a 15-year-old boy, named Omar Hawladar, during the rescue operations, according to the forest officials. The boy received primary treatment at the Upazila Health Complex. "The reptile weighing 16kg was rescued by the forest department on Monday afternoon from the paddy field in Jilbunia village. It was released in the Sharankhola range of the Sundarbans at night," said Md Belayet Hossain, divisional forest officer (East). Read:18-feet long python captured in Bagerhat Originally from the Sundarbans, the python entered the village by crossing the Bhola river, according to the DFO. “In the past one year, more than 100 pythons have been rescued from the Chadpai and Sarankhola range,” said DFO Belayet. He also urged people to inform the forest department whenever they spot any wild animal in their localities rather than harming them.

A rare red coral kukri snake was spotted again in Kajoldighi union of Panchagarh on Tuesday night.This time, it was rescued by a local name Md Shahiduzzaman Shahid.The snake was released at a suitable habitat at Natunhat area in Boda Upazila at the advice of Wildlife Inspector of Forest Department Abdullah Sadiq. Also read: Tk75 crore snake venom seized in DhakaShahid said, "Many people gathered to see the snake at a neighbouring house when it entered there. I rescued it and kept it with me before handing it over to the experts."Wildlife photographer and conservationist Feroz Al Saba was among the three people who took the snake from Shahid and brought it to forest department officials. He said, "This rare species of snake has been spotted in Panchagarh three times in a row." Read Crocodile lays 44 eggs at Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre"As these snakes cannot bear sunlight, the rescued snake was released at a suitable place at night," he added.According to researchers, the mild venomous snake was seen no more than 30 times in the world.It has been spotted thrice in Bangladesh -- in Panchagarh on every occasion. The last time the snake was seen was in February this year. It was spotted the first time in the district last year. Read Tortoise lays 21 eggs in Sundarban’s Karamjal