Snakes in Hong Kong
The weather is getting warmer and now begins the time of year you are most likely to bump into one of our scaly friends. Lantau Island comprises of about 60% Country Park with world class trails and if you are out and about enjoying the summer sun there is a good chance you will cross paths with a snake or least be in close proximity to one. While some find this prospect exciting others may find it terrifying! Whether we like it or not snakes are an important part of our ecosystem and we need to share the outdoors with them. Rest assured though, although snakes have the potential to be dangerous, the fear factor greatly outweighs the reality. For example, did you know that the last recorded death from a snake bite was over 20 years ago!
Snakes will never attack or chase you so you do not need to be scared. They are not aggressive creatures and will try their best to get out of your way. If you are unlucky enough the get bit by one of Hong Kong’s 8 venomous land species, Hong Kong has modern hospitals fully equipped to provide treatment, including anti-venom. Of course we still do not want to get bitten!
To avoid getting accidentally bitten you should be very careful when hiking at night, always bring a touch and watch your step. If you see a snake, do not corner it; give it space to get away. A snake will only defend itself if it feels threatened and has no other options.
If you do get bitten:
Identify the type of snake if possible. If a smartphone or other camera is available, take a photo of the snake and bring it with you to the hospital.
Get away from the snake.
Do not attempt to suck out the venom.
Do not apply a tourniquet unless you have a great deal of knowledge about snakes and the effects of snakebites. For some types of venom, a tourniquet can actually do more harm than good.
Immobilize the affected body part.
Remove all rings or restrictive jewelry on the affected limb, since snakebites often cause swelling.
Get to a hospital or healthcare facility as quickly as you can. Do not wait and watch for symptoms.
To avoid snakes coming into your garden and home you can take measures to reduce the attractiveness of your garden or home to snakes. If you have a wall with holes or other structures that has the potential to house frogs, rats and mice, and in turn attract snakes, discourage these animals by blocking holes. Avoid creating habitats for snakes by keeping a tidy, well-maintained garden.
If a snake does find its way into your garden:
1) take a photo from a safe distance and get it identified.
2) if non-venomous - leave it, it will most likely go on its own.
3) if venomous - decide carefully if you really need it to be removed. If so, you can call the police and they will call the local snake catcher to safely remove the snake. Do you attempt to remove or kill the snake.
Below are some common snakes you may come across in Hong Kong.
Burmese Python (non-venomous)
The Burmese Python eats mostly birds and small mammals. In some cases they may try to eat larger prey such as dogs or barking deer. It’s important to keep your small dog on a lead when hiking! They do not prey on humans!!
Burmese Pythons are a protected species in Hong Kong
Chinese Cobra (venomous)
Chinese Cobras are very common in Hong Kong and eat mostly toads and frogs. They are often confused with the Common Rat Snake (below) but can be identified by the distinct white marking on their neck. If you see one, like all snakes, do not attempt to pick it up or interfere in any way!
Common Rat Snake (Non-venomous)
This snake is also very common in Hong Kong and eats mostly frogs and mammals. The Common Rat Snake is quick to defend if it feels threatened so best to observe at a distance. Although this snake is non-venomous the bite can be quite painful.
Greater Green (non-Venomous)
The greater green is a beautiful and harmless snake. It’s very easy to spot with its bright green appearance. They are not aggressive and rarely bite. Do not confuse this snake with the venomous Bamboo Snake pictured below.
Bamboo Snake (venomous)
The Bamboo Snake is responsible for 90 percent of all snake bites in Hong Kong. It is often confused with the greater green because of the bright green colour. The Bamboo snake can be distinguished because if its yellow eyes, triangular head and reddish-brown tail. These Snakes hunt at night so be very careful when on the trails after sunset.
Red-Necked Keelback (venomous)
The Red-Necked Keelback is venomous however it is rear fanged meaning it would actually have to chew on you to inject venom. They are also not aggressive snakes and are unlikely to bite.
Please continue to enjoy the outdoors and consider yourself lucky if you come across one of these beauties. Observe from a distance and take a photo to share with your friends. Remember they are more scared of us then we are of them. They belong here as much as we do and we should respect them. While you are out maybe you will be lucky enough to come across some of Hong Kong’s other amazing wildlife including barking dear, porcupines, civet cat and wild boar!
