One of the four most dangerous snake species found in India, Russell’s Viper has given birth to five snakelets in Kanpur Zoo. Since they become active within four to five hours of birth, a team of wildlife medical experts is continuously monitoring the offsprings and their mother, named Chital. The height of the five children is between eight to ten inches.

Russell's viper is a venomous snake hailing from the family of Viperidae. It is one of the four big venomous snakes found in India. It is worth noting that Russell's Viper is so dangerous, that it’s venom clogs the blood arteries, causing the death of a person due to heart attack. It also jumps, bites and makes a whistle-like sound before attaching. Sends a chill down the spine doesn’t it?

Due to its fatal poison, Russell's Vipers are killed on sight in many countries. This is the reason why its number is continuously dropping. Hence, it has been put in the category of rare species and is being preserved.