Himmmatnagar: A snake rescue operation in North Gujarat turned unusual after locally popular and highly-experienced and skillful rescuer Pradip Patel was bitten by a cobra while handling the reptile. Patel, who runs social media channels under the name Sarpmitra Pradip Patel, later shared a video of the incident online. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed as the bite turned out to be a “dry bite,” meaning no venom was injected.

The video clearly captures the moment of the bite, but the circumstances surrounding such incidents offer a deeper insight into snake behaviour. Experts note that not all cobra bites result in envenomation. Studies suggest that nearly 20 to 30 percent of cobra bites may be dry, where venom is not delivered into the victim’s body despite the strike.

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A post shared by Sarpmitra Pradip Patel (@sarpmitra_pradip_patel)

Cobra venom is primarily used for hunting and self-defence, and producing it requires significant biological effort. From an evolutionary standpoint, snakes tend to conserve venom for prey rather than expend it on large threats like humans, which they cannot consume. In such cases, a dry bite may serve as a warning rather than an attempt to kill.

Herpetologists explain that snakes have the ability to regulate the release of venom depending on the situation. During defensive encounters, especially when the snake is not severely provoked or cornered, it may choose to deliver a non-lethal bite. Additionally, venom glands take several days to replenish after use, so a snake that has recently bitten may have limited venom available, increasing the chances of a dry bite. In some cases, a strike may fail to inject venom due to poor fang contact or inaccurate aim.

Patel who voluntarily has helped 100s of people in pockets of Sabarkantha district in North Gujarat by rescuing snakes is safe following the incident. DeshGujarat