You’d be surprised by the fact that there are a lot of people who think that every snake out there is poisonous or venomous. But, if you know just a little bit about wildlife and all that stuff, you know that’s not how things work or usually are. India is one such country where wildlife is pretty diverse actually, and that goes with the snake species as well. There are as many as 350 snake species right here in India, and sure enough, not every snake species is poisonous. Today though, we’re here just to take a good look at the top 10 non-poisonous snakes found in India. So, if that’s something you’re intrigued about at the moment, just keep on reading.
1. Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa)
Sure enough, the Indian Rat Snake is one of the fastest-moving snakes belonging to India, did you know that? Like, Dhaman is the common name for this species. The snake can grow up to 6 to 8 feet long and is one of the largest non-venomous snakes found in the country. This snake moves about in regions that have farms, and urban areas, is an important agent of pest control, and feeds on rats, frogs, and small birds, just so you know. The Indian Rat Snake has a very impressive and intimidating size, and neck-flattening behavior when threatened like the cobra, but completely harmless.
2. Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator)
Perhaps you’ve taken a stroll along a river or a pond and witnessed a snake gliding effortlessly on the water, and it’s most probably the Checkered Keelback. You see, also referred to as the Indian Water Snake, this species is kinda a good swimmer and spends most of its time near freshwater. Its distinctive checkered pattern in contrast to its surroundings makes it widely recognized. However, as a precaution, it may hiss or bite when disturbed, though it is entirely harmless, keep that in mind.
3. Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
Yes, we’re talking about the Ajgar snake here also known as the Indian Rock Python and just for reference, yes, it actually is the largest non-poisonous snake species in India. Like, it may weigh up to an astonishing 10 feet or more, and introspectively, one would think that the snake has some ferocious bite or something, but deep down, one will find that it is actually a slow-moving, non-aggressive reptile. You see, instead of using venom, it constricts on prey that ranges from rodents, and birds, to deer through brute force.
4. Common sand boa (Eryx johnii)
Coming in at number 4th spot, you see, an interesting fact about this species: The common sand boa is believed to have two heads! It is the result of the short and stout body, with an almost round tail that closely resembles its head, which renders them the nickname of a “two-headed snake”, you know? Like, it is an inhabitant of dry and barren areas; being a burrowing snake, it spends most of its time underground, hunting rodents and small lizards, that’s all.
5. Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon aulicus)
You see, for the first timers, yes, its name might terrify you a bit, but the snake known as Common Wolf merely managed to crawl into the human settlements. Reaching about 3 feet, some people mistake it for the venomous Common Krait due to its banding, you know? Nocturnal by nature, it hunts small lizards and frogs, making it good for pest control.
6. Banded Racer (Argyrogena fasciolata)
Then, you see, Banded Racer is a snake that travels either by being a specialist at going through the grass or by being very fast. It grows to a size of up to 4 feet, and this slender snake prefers areas where there are tall bushes as it quickly darts out to prey upon frogs and rodents, that’s how it is out in the wild. Just so you know though, this snake is not harmful, no matter how it looks, you know, by its movement and striking appearance.
7. Common Trinket Snake (Coelognathus helena)
Sure enough, As beautiful as its name, the Common Trinket Snake is the best-looking one on this list today. Like, the shiny scales add to its trinket-like appearance, which contributes to its being one of the most beautiful snakes on this list, that’s for sure. This non-poisonous snake species reaches a length of 4 feet and preys on rodents, lizards, and small mammals, thus being an extremely beneficial pest controller in agricultural areas.
8. Brahminy Blind Snake (Indotyphlops braminus)
Then, you see, here is one snake that you are likely to have seen but not recognized, mistaking it for an earthworm, this is the Brahminy Blind Snake. Seen it somewhere? Well, it is a non-poisonous snake that is measured at 6 to 8 inches and is actually the most diminutive of all in India. It lives underground and wet, in dusty ground, gardens, and fields, feeding on ants, termites, and the likes of very small insects, and yes, it is not poisonous at all.
9. Bronzeback Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis tristis)
Someone once said, “If speed has a face, then it is the face of a Bronzeback Tree Snake.” Were they right? Well, let’s see, yes, this snake is best known for agility as it rapidly climbs and gets observed darting across treetops or through thick bushes. It has a max length of up to 4 feet. This slender body, with a shiny bronze stripe along its back, gives it a handsome look, that’s for sure.
10. Striped Keelback (Amphiesma stolatum)
Last on the list, finally, we have the Striped Keelback-One shy little snake, the typical sight in grasslands and wetlands alike, you know? Up to 3 feet maximum size, this snake bore two yellow stripes on its olive-green body. Keep in mind though, it often flattens its body in case of danger but then again this snake is harmless and would be more scared of you than you would ever be of it.
Conclusion
There you have it. Without a single doubt, many other non-poisonous snakes are found in India, but keep in mind these are the most common ones. So, if one of these snakes has bitten someone, and you know that they’re completely safe, so no need to panic.
