They fascinate. They repel. Though some pose a danger, a majority of them are harmless. Generally, they are seen as slimy creatures (which they are not) or colourful curiosities. In Hindu mythology, they are considered close to Lord Shiva. Ancient Greeks and Romans also gave them religious associations. In Egypt, they symbolized fertility. Even today, they are worshipped in many places more out of fear than reverence. Of course, we are talking about snakes. In our country, we have 236 varieties of them, of whom only 56 are venomous. Globally, nearly 40,000 people die annually of snakebite, a quarter of them in India. The four varieties most responsible are Cobra, Russell's Viper, Saw-scaled Viper and Krait.

How to avoid Snakebites? 
Some bites are nearly impossible to prevent. You may step on them by accident or disturb them unknowingly in the wild. But a few precautions can be taken: 

Leave snakes alone. Don't try to kill or get close. If you meet one, give it a wide berth. 
Stay out of tall vegetation and remain on the beaten track. 
Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
In areas where there are venomous snakes, have at least two companions, one to stay with a mishap victim and the other to go for help. 
Do not reach into areas that you cannot visually examine first. Use a walking stick to move suspicious objects. Do not reach blindly behind rocks.
Wear protective clothing, particularly knee-length boots.
No night hiking. Carry first aid kit, a flashlight and walking stick.
Do not handle snakes unless you know what you are doing. Remember that you can be bitten even by seemingly dead snakes.

In case a snake bites, seek prompt professional medical care. Even a bite from a non-poisonous or so-called "harmless" snake can cause infections or allergic reactions. There are two basic first-aid techniques: (1) Wash the bite with soap and water. (2) Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. 

What Not to Do if Bitten: 

Do not eat or drink anything, including alcohol, unless okayed by doctors. 
Do not engage in strenuous activity or get excited as that can speed spread of poison. 
Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to bite. 
Do not cut into or incise bite marks with a blade. 
Do not apply hot or cold packs or a constrictive tourniquet such as a belt or cord. 
Do not remove dressings/elastic wraps until arrival at hospital and antivenom is available. 
Do not waste time or take risks trying to kill, bag or bring in offending snake. 

Apart from pain, swelling and bleeding, signs that should hasten you to a doctor are: difficulty in breathing or swallowing or having double vision, a metallic taste, tingling about the mouth or vomiting. If you can do so without risk and too much time/effort, locate the snake, kill it with a blow on the neck from a long, heavy stick and take it along. Identifying the species may be important in estimating the type and amount of antivenin necessary. However, never delay transport of the victim in order to capture a snake. Take care when taking the dead snake in a container. The jaws can bite in a reflex action for 20 to 60 minutes after death. Splint the bitten part to avoid unnecessary motion. Allow room for swelling within the splint. 

Remember a snake only strikes when provoked, disturbed or attacked. An unprovoked attack by snakes is very rare.