Boiling Hot Earth, More Venomous Snakes Roaming Freely
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A recent study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) finds that the risk of snake bites is expected to rise in various parts of the world. Climate change is said to be forcing venomous reptiles to move their habitats, meaning they will increasingly come into contact with humans. The research identifies a number of venomous species expanding their ranges as global temperatures rise and as pressure on their natural habitats grows. Among them are the spitting cobra in Africa, vipers in Europe and South America, the cottonmouth moccasin in North America, and kraits in Asia.
Researchers warn that this trend could become more pronounced in coming decades. Like many other species, snakes are adapting by seeking more suitable habitats amid extreme climate change.
“Overlap between humans and venomous snakes will become larger,” said one study author, David Williams of the WHO and the University of Melbourne, as quoted by the Guardian on Saturday, 23 May 2026. He described the threat as a risk that could occur in everyday life. “You could imagine someone stepping out from the back door of their house, stubbing their toe, and being bitten by a snake,” he said.
4 million snakebite cases per year
Until now, global snakebite data have been incomplete, as many cases occur in remote areas and are not officially recorded. However, the study estimates around 4 million snakebite cases annually, predominantly in tropical regions. Of these, about 138,000 people die and 400,000 suffer permanent disabilities. Nearly half of the deaths occur in South Asia.
The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, maps the distribution of 508 medically important snake species worldwide down to a 1 square kilometre area unit. The research team then projected how rising temperatures could alter the interactions between snakes and humans from 2050 to 2090.
Venomous snakes predicted to move into new areas
The results show that most species face a threat to their habitats due to heat and land-use changes, such as forests, swamps and grasslands being converted into agricultural or urban areas. Some species are even threatened with extinction. However, a number of venomous snakes are projected to move into new areas closer to human settlements. For example, the cottonmouth moccasin in the United States is projected to move north towards New York. Meanwhile, kraits in Asia are projected to migrate from forested areas in Myanmar and Yunnan Province, China, towards densely populated cities in central and northern China.
In India, a country with around 60,000 snakebite deaths annually, dangerous species such as the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper and the krait are projected to shift from the southern regions to the north, which has a larger population.
“In the next 50 years, snake species will emerge in places where they have not previously been, meaning they will interact with communities unfamiliar with this threat,” Williams said.
He noted that the risk of human-snake encounters could occur in a range of locations, from farmland and water sources to recreational areas and sporting trails.
Poorer regions most at risk
The greatest threats are expected to occur in poor and remote areas where people still work barefoot in fields and have limited access to healthcare and antivenom. By contrast, wealthy countries such as Australia have lower snakebite mortality rates despite hosting many venomous species, thanks to protective equipment, mechanised farming, and better access to health services.
The researchers hope the study will help governments and health authorities map high-risk areas and prepare distributions of antivenom and medical services more effectively.
“Our predictions can be used to determine locations for antivenom storage, ensure healthcare facilities have adequate capacity, improve access to health services for remote communities at risk, and identify conservation priorities for endangered snake species,” the researchers wrote in their statement.