Is the Himalayan Pitviper venomous?

Yes. The Himalayan Pitviper (Protobothrops himalayanus) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.

Is the Himalayan Pitviper poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Himalayan Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Where does the Himalayan Pitviper live?

The Himalayan Pitviper has verified records in 3 countries, including Bhutan, China, Nepal. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Viperidae

Himalayan Pitviper

Venomous

Protobothrops himalayanus

The Himalayan Pitviper (Protobothrops himalayanus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 3 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family: Viperidae
Danger: high

About the Himalayan Pitviper

Protobothrops himalayanus is a rare species of lance headed pit viper which is endemic to Asia. Like all pit vipers, P. himalayanus is venomous.

Description

Protobothrops himalayanus is a large, thin and cylindrical snake. The topside of its head is dark brown with red-brown streaks by its eyes. The topside of its body and tail are olive with black and brown band markings. Its eyes are varying shades of brown.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Himalayan Pitviper

Is the Himalayan Pitviper venomous?: Yes. The Himalayan Pitviper (Protobothrops himalayanus) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Himalayan Pitviper poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Himalayan Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Himalayan Pitviper dangerous?: This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Himalayan Pitviper live?: The Himalayan Pitviper has verified records in 3 countries, including Bhutan, China, Nepal. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Himalayan Pitviper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Bhutan China Nepal

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards: Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits: Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Protobothrops
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Protobothrops himalayanus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.