Snakebite deaths in Kerala drop to one-fourth

Ramanattukara: The number of snakebite deaths in Kerala has fallen to one-fourth compared to earlier years, according to data released by the Forest Department.

Figures reveal that in 2018–19, 123 people died from snakebites, while in 2024–25 the number dropped to just 34. During 2025–26, up to August, the death toll has fallen even further, to only six.

From 2016 to 2025, a total of 600 people in Kerala lost their lives to snakebites. More number of deaths were recorded in the years 2017–18 (92 deaths), 2016–17 (75 deaths), 2019–20 (71 deaths), and 2021–22 (65 deaths). Most of these deaths occurred outside forest areas, officials said.

Over the past six years, the Forest Department has seized 60,000 snakes, including highly venomous species, belonging to 100 different types out of the 130 species commonly found in Kerala.

The drastic reduction in deaths is attributed to intensified awareness and prevention programmes introduced in 2020 to reduce human–wildlife conflict. This success has been largely attributed to one major project, Mission SARPA, which was introduced last year as part of a ten-point action plan.

Over the past three years, there has been a notable decrease in the number of fatalities. The department now has 3,300 trained volunteers across the state, up from 320 when the programme began in August 2020, then expanding to 800, and eventually to the current strength. These volunteers are trained to identify and safely handle venomous snakes with varying behaviours.

Another factor credited for the drop in fatalities is the growing trend of snakebite victims seeking proper medical treatment in hospitals rather than relying on risky traditional remedies.

Year-wise Snakebite deaths

2016–17	75
2017–18	92
2018–19	123
2019–20	71
2020–21	52
2021–22	65
2022–23	48
2023–24	34
2024–25	34
2025–26	6