Over 800 Snakes Escape Into Chinese Village After Floods Destroy Snake Farm
Over 800 Snakes Escape Into Chinese Village After Floods Destroy Snake Farm – Hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, escaped into a village in southern China after severe flooding destroyed a snake farm, prompting emergency rescue operations.
Authorities estimate that between 800 and 900 snakes escaped after floodwaters washed away the farm in Dengwei village, Hengzhou, in Guangxi Province.
Officials confirmed that at least one resident has been bitten and is receiving treatment, while local media reported that other trapped villagers were also bitten but could not immediately reach medical facilities.
ALSO READ:Â Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Parts of Europe in August
Wu Zhi, head of the Dengwei village committee, said:
“It happened on the morning of July 6. According to our preliminary estimate, around 800 to 900 snakes escaped after the farm was washed away by floodwaters. So far, one villager has been bitten by a snake and is receiving emergency treatment at a hospital.”
He added that “not all of the escaped snakes were venomous,” explaining that many were non-venomous water snakes.
The flooding followed heavy rains linked to Typhoon Maysak, which caused reservoirs in the area to overflow.
Local resident Shen said snakes escaped from several small farms in flooded low-lying areas and confirmed that some stranded villagers had suffered snake bites.
A snake farmer identified only as Lei said his farm, located on higher ground, had not been affected.
He added that many escaped snakes may not survive because “most farmed snakes in the area live in mountainous forests and are likely to die after being submerged in water for an extended period.”
The Hengzhou Emergency Management Bureau confirmed it had dispatched rescue teams and said more information would be released in an official statement.
Wu said volunteers from nearby villages had formed a civilian snake-catching team to prevent more attacks.
“Team members mainly use fishing tools and electric fishing equipment to catch the snakes,” he said.
He added that “most of the snakes have already been washed away by the floods,” with only a few remaining on floating debris.
Residents have been warned not to catch snakes themselves.
“If residents find snakes in their homes, they should immediately report it to the village committee and have professional personnel handle the situation,” Wu urged.
