BENGALURU: Karnataka has recorded over 4,786 snakebite cases and more than 36 related deaths in the first five months of 2025—double the number of fatalities (18) reported during the same period last year, according to data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) under the state’s health and family welfare department.
Health officials attribute the rise to a combination of increased rainfall, shifting weather patterns, and growing human-wildlife interaction due to urbanization. Bengaluru alone has reported 41 snakebite incidents so far this year. Shivamogga leads the state with 289 cases, followed by Mandya (256), Hassan, and Dakshina Kannada. The highest number of deaths were reported from Chamarajanagar (5), while Dharwad and Udupi each saw three fatalities.
“This region has significant forest cover, and many communities here depend on forest-based livelihoods,” said a health official from Shivamogga. “That naturally brings them closer to snakes. Our priority is encouraging people to seek prompt medical attention rather than relying on traditional remedies, which are still common in some areas.”
While the sharp increase in numbers may partly reflect a genuine surge in snakebites, experts also point to improvements in surveillance and reporting. “Awareness is increasing, and so is our capacity to detect and respond to these cases,” the official added.
Snakes Seek Drier Ground During Rains
Ansar Ahmed, project director at IHIP, emphasized that seasonal changes are playing a major role. “Snakes become more active during the rainy season. They leave their shelters in search of dry ground or prey, increasing the chances of human contact,” he said. “But it’s not just nature—better surveillance is also helping us understand the true scale of the problem.”
Urban Development Driving Human-Snake Encounters
Urbanization is another key factor contributing to the growing number of incidents. A senior health department official explained, “Rapid infrastructure development near forests, lakes, and farmlands is displacing snakes from their natural habitats. They’re now turning up in drains, small water bodies, and even inside homes, especially during heavy rainfall when rising water forces them out into the open.”
With monsoon season intensifying, health authorities are urging the public to remain alert and seek immediate medical care in the event of a snakebite, warning that delays or reliance on traditional methods can be fatal.