Facts about Russell's Viper

1. 06

   Approximately 25,000 people die from Russell's Viper bites annually across Asia, making it responsible for more snakebite deaths than any other species globally.

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2. 05

   Russell's Viper possesses heat-sensing pits along its upper lip that detect infrared radiation from prey, allowing it to hunt effectively in complete darkness.

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3. 04

   In India, Russell's Viper has been venerated in Hindu tradition and appears in ancient Sanskrit texts as the sacred cobra despite being a distinct pit viper species.

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4. 03

   Females of this species can reach lengths exceeding 5 feet, making Russell's Viper one of the longest venomous snakes found in Asia.

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5. 02

   Across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Russell's Viper causes more human deaths annually than any other snake species, with thousands of fatalities recorded yearly.

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6. 01

   Venom from Russell's Viper causes blood coagulation within seconds and has been used since the 1950s as a diagnostic tool in medical laboratories.

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