My meeting with Himalayan Pit Viper (Gloydius himalayanus)

My meetings with this snake, Himalayan Pit Viper (Gloydius himalayanus) is nothing less them a romantic fantasy. It was a dark freezing night in Mukteshwar. We were camping at a camp site. I was tasked to buy some rations from a near by village approx 10-15 kms. away from where we had camped. Satpal, our local guide and I left on his bike. I was riding, while enjoying the cold breeze and suddenly the bike stopped as it developed some snag. Satpal and me were trying to figure out what to do. It was pitch dark with a starry sky and a crescent moon to compliment the scene. Petrol was not the issue as it was almost half tank. Both our mechanical heads could not figure out the problem. 

As the area where we were stranded was known for leopard sightings and only a day before there was a report of one sighted near by. While we tried to figure out what was wrong we took turns keeping a watch for any signs/ sounds /scent of a leopard with our flimsy torch light. Since we could not figure what was wrong and also the fact that we were in leopard territory, we decided to move on with the bike.

I lit my torch using it as a head light. As it was a downward slope the bike moved with a little push we started on a ecofriendly ride. Few metres ahead into the ride I could see some thing on the road reflecting the torch light we stopped the bike and stood our ground. After carefully observing it for some time Satpal said "arrey sir truck se gira hua reflector hoga" to which even I agreed and then we again tried to figure out what it was, inched a bit closer and it started moving slowly on the road. Me and Satpal both in one voice "saap", I handed the bike to Satpal and rushed towards it.

I didn’t exactly know what snake was it but had some basic knowledge that it was a pit viper and needed to be treated with extra respect. This was the first time I was seeing a snake in the Himalayan region. A lifer for me. Oh it was so beautiful. Slithering slowly on to the side of the road. 

Later in the night after reaching my camp site, I looked at some reference books and figured out what snake it was. A Himalayan pit viper (Gloydius himalayanus).

                             

Himalayan pit viper (Gloydius himalayanus) are nocturnal snakes and are known to be territorial by nature. Its a venomous species. The pit acts as a thermal scanner which helps in feeding of prey. It is usually seen under leaf litter or rock. Though much is not known about this specimen, but a chance meeting with this sexy diva is something I will remember throughout my life.

THE TALE OF TWO DOG'S AND ME

There are these two dogs grumpy and bumpy in one of the industrial area I visit everyday and I don't know why but they keep barking at my car every time I move in or out of their area. Since its a narrow lane I have to be really careful that I don't bump my car into someone or something. All of a sudden these two dogs will appear from nowhere and start barking at my car furiously and for no reason. I tried ignoring them but they made it a daily habit and started doing this thing everyday, first few days were ok but then, I started loosing my patience and was really mad at them and started reacting to their barking. Whenever they started barking I tried to dash them or hurt them in one or the other way sometimes shouted at them. Seeing me react, they started enjoying and me getting mad more. The reactions include throwing stones, speeding in narrow lane trying to kill them under my wheel, running behind them to hit with a stick/stone. All this went on for some time and then it released more then chasing my car they enjoyed my reaction. I observed them for some time, to see how they react to other vehicles moving in and out and to my surprise they sat quietly while other vehicles moved in or out, it was just my car that they enjoyed chasing. Finally I decided I won't react to these dogs what so ever happens. The routine continued, they kept barking and I drove in and out without reaction calmly doing my work finishing it and moved out. seeing no reaction from me they got bored and stopped chasing my car. sometimes they try their old trick but sad they get no reaction from me.

LESSON LEARNT:
Many a times in you life you will find people who are like these dogs, out of nowhere they will come in your life and start nagging, criticizing, finding faults in your work, even if you are doing good work better then them. It's their habit to do so and they will enjoy in your suffering. The more you suffer/react to them the more they will enjoy. The best way is to avoid such people and keep doing your work, because the more u think about reacting to such people, more you will be wasting your time and deviating from your goal or your path.