These are  one of the most dangerous snakes in India.Most of the deaths due to snake bites are due to this snake.When threatened they form a series of S-loops, raise the first third of the body and produce a hiss that is supposedly louder than that of any other snake. When striking from this position, they can exert so much force that even a large individual can lift most of its body off the ground in the process.These are difficult snakes to handle: they are strong and agile and react violently to being picked up.The bite may be a snap, or, they may hang on for many seconds.