Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Kolkata Snake Encounters Highlight Four Common Urban Species
A student in Kolkata was bitten by a snake at school.
Doctors said the snake was probably not poisonous because the child had no signs of venom.
Kolkata has many places where snakes can live, including wetlands, ponds, gardens and open land.
Rat snakes and wolf snakes are not venomous.
Russell’s vipers and monocled cobras are venomous and can be dangerous if they bite.
People should never try to catch, kill or touch a snake.
They should call trained wildlife rescuers or forest authorities instead.
Anyone who is bitten should stay calm and go to a hospital quickly.
A Class III student was bitten by a likely non-venomous snake at The Heritage School in Kolkata.
Doctors said the child showed no symptoms of envenomation and was discharged from a private hospital on Wednesday.
Rat snakes and wolf snakes are non-venomous species commonly found around homes, gardens and other urban spaces.
Russell’s vipers and monocled cobras are venomous snakes found in and around Kolkata.
Experts advise keeping away from snakes, contacting trained rescuers and taking bite victims quickly to hospital.
- Who
- A Class III student, wildlife conservationist Nirit Dutta and medical staff were involved in the incident and advice.
- What
- A student was bitten by a likely non-venomous snake, prompting information about four snakes found around Kolkata and safe response measures.
- When
- The bite occurred on Tuesday afternoon, and the student was discharged on Wednesday.
- Where
- The bite happened at The Heritage School in Kolkata; the student was treated at a private hospital off EM Bypass.
- Why
- Kolkata’s wetlands, ponds, gardens and open spaces allow encounters with snakes, leading experts to stress safe identification and professional assistance.
- Incident location
- The Heritage School, Kolkata
- Reported injury
- A Class III student was bitten by a snake on Tuesday afternoon.
- Medical outcome
- The student was discharged from a private hospital on Wednesday.
- Likely snake type
- The treating doctor said the snake was likely non-venomous based on blood test results and the absence of envenomation symptoms.
- Non-venomous species
- Rat snakes and wolf snakes
- Venomous species
- Russell’s vipers and monocled cobras
- Recommended response
- Keep a safe distance, contact trained wildlife rescuers or forest authorities, and take bite victims to a hospital quickly.