In the first five months of this year, Karnataka has reported over 36 deaths due to snakebites, marking a twofold increase compared to 18 deaths in the same period last year. The Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) under the state’s health and family welfare department has also noted a sharp 46% rise in snakebite cases — from 3,268 cases by May 2024 to 4,786 in 2025.
Officials believe the spike reflects both a real increase in snake encounters and improved case reporting. The rise is attributed to continuous rains, shifting weather patterns, and growing human-wildlife interaction. Shivamogga district leads with 289 cases, followed by Mandya (256), Hassan, and Dakshina Kannada. Chamarajanagar recorded the highest number of deaths (5), with Dharwad and Udupi reporting three deaths each.
A health officer from Shivamogga explained that the region’s dense forests and forest-dependent communities raise the risk of encounters. “Traditional healing methods are still common. Our priority is promoting quick access to medical care,” the official added.
IHIP project director Ansar Ahmed pointed out that the rainy season drives snakes out of their shelters in search of prey or dry ground, increasing human contact. He emphasized that enhanced surveillance tools are helping track these cases more effectively.
Meanwhile, a senior department official highlighted that urban development near natural habitats is displacing snakes, forcing them into drains, water bodies, and homes, especially during floods, raising the threat to urban populations as well.
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