Panic has engulfed Chittagong due to a widespread rumour about the Chandra Bora snake, more commonly known as Russell's Viper.

Alarmed residents across various areas are actively attempting to kill any snakes they encounter.

Officials from the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division reported that at least four snakes were killed in South Chittagong in a single day.

In response, the Forest Department has initiated a public education program to discourage the killing of snakes.

Snake researchers stress that there is currently no significant presence or threat of Russell's Viper in the Chittagong region due to environmental factors.

The district civil surgeon's office advises anyone bitten by a snake to remain calm and seek immediate medical attention at a local hospital.

Historically, Russell's Viper was primarily found in the basin areas of the Padma River and was once nearly extinct in the country. However, sightings of this species have increased in the Rajshahi region over the past decade. In the past year, Russell's Vipers have been reported in 26 to 27 districts, including Manikganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Rajbari, Barisal, Patuakhali, Chandpur, and Chittagong.

Reports indicate three fatalities from Russell's Viper bites in Dhamrai, Manikganj, Jessore, and Dhaka, prompting a month-long campaign in the mass media and social media about the snake's widespread presence in the country.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a notification to warn the public about ongoing snakebite incidents.

The notification mentioned that Russell's Viper is a proficient swimmer and has spread to various areas via river currents and floodwaters. The advisory urges caution, noting that the snake is not typically aggressive and usually attacks only when threatened. Russell's Viper typically resides in lowland grasslands, thickets, open forests, and agricultural areas, avoiding human settlements.

Social media fuels fear, multiple snake killings prompt public backlash

On Friday, two snakes were killed in Deputy Para of Chunati union in Chittagong's Lohagara upazila and Ghonarmor area of Barahatia union. Another snake was killed and burned in a residential house in Anwara upazila, while a panicked crowd beat a snake to death in South Moulvi Kata of Kacchapia union in Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar district.

Images of these incidents were circulated on social media.

Officials from the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, Chittagong identified the snakes killed in Lohagara upazila as Burmese pythons and a reticulated python, not Russell's Vipers.

The snake killed in Ramu was also a Burmese python. The snake killed in Anwara upazila is unlikely to be a Russell's Viper since it was found in a residential area.

In response, the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division has launched a public awareness campaign in coordination with local officials and the administration.

Authorities speak out on indiscriminate snake killings

Chittagong Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division's Divisional Forest Officer Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury said: "Snakes are being killed indiscriminately. Last Friday, two snakes were beaten to death in one night. We are facing the consequences of excessive propaganda. All snakes killed so far are non-venomous and not harmful to humans. Even Russell's Viper, which is a protected species under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, plays a crucial role in the environment by controlling rat populations and maintaining ecological balance. Venom from these snakes is used to produce life-saving medicines."

"Russell's Viper has not been seen in Chittagong so far. No one has been bitten by Russell's Viper in Chittagong. Some over-enthusiastic individuals killed snakes out of unnecessary panic, which negatively impacts our environment. We urge everyone not to kill snakes. We have started awareness campaigns with public representatives, and local officials have been instructed accordingly," added Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury.

Health Minister addresses concerns

On Saturday, Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen held an online meeting with Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) officials, including civil surgeons, family planning officers, and directors of medical colleges and hospitals.

He held discussions with officials from different districts and emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of antivenom in hospitals.

Chittagong District Civil Surgeon Mohammed Elias Chowdhury said: "We are prioritizing the minister's instructions regarding snakebite treatment. If complications arise, the head of the concerned institution will be held accountable. We urge the public not to panic unnecessarily. We also have facilities in remote areas to treat snakebite patients, including those bitten by Russell's Viper."

The civil surgeon has instructed the distribution of leaflets, posters, and banners in upazila health complexes and community clinics to dispel unnecessary fear of Russell's Viper or other snakes.

Experts clarify misinformation about snake presence

Dr Mohammad Abdul Wahed Chowdhury, an associate professor of zoology at Chittagong University and a snake researcher, said that in the last 20 years, Russell's Vipers have been limited to 25-26 districts along the Padma River. However, sightings are few, mostly in agricultural areas and bushes.

"Russell's Viper has historically been present in Rajshahi and nearby districts along the Padma River. Due to climate change, it has spread to a few more districts. However, it is unlikely to thrive in mountainous regions like Chittagong-Sylhet due to unfavourable environmental conditions. The fear of Russell's Viper in Chittagong is unfounded," said Abdul Wahed Chowdhury.

Explaining the spread of Russell's Viper, the researcher said: "Russell's Viper mainly feeds on rats, which are abundant in crop fields. Predators of Russell's Viper, such as owls, mongooses, monitor lizards, civets, and certain birds of prey, have almost disappeared from our environment, making it easier for the snake to spread."

"The notion that Russell's Viper is inherently fatal is false. Like other snakes, it only attacks when threatened and warns humans by hissing. Only African black mambas are known to attack unprovoked. Russell's Viper venom is not potent enough to cause instant death, and antivenom is readily available in Bangladesh," added Abdul Wahed Chowdhury.

"Monocled cobras are at least ten times more venomous than Russell's Vipers in our region. The sudden panic about Russell's Viper is baffling. The unnecessary killing of snakes disrupts the ecological balance," he warned.