Around 900 Snakes Escape After Floods Destroy Farm in China
At least one person has been bitten as rescue teams and volunteers race to capture escaped snakes after severe flooding.
- Around 900 snakes escaped after floods destroyed a farm.
- Venomous cobras among escaped reptiles as authorities launch search
- At least one person bitten while rescue efforts continue
Nearly 900 snakes, including venomous cobras, escaped from a snake farm in Hengzhou, located in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, after severe flooding destroyed the facility following days of torrential rainfall.
The flooding, triggered by heavy rains associated with Typhoon Maysak, inundated several parts of Guangxi, causing reservoirs to overflow and forcing emergency response efforts across the region.
According to local authorities, the snake farm in Dengwei Village was washed away by floodwaters on July 6, allowing an estimated 800 to 900 snakes to escape into nearby communities.
Village committee head Wu Zhi said the escaped reptiles included both venomous and non-venomous species, with a significant number being harmless water snakes. However, venomous cobras were among those that fled the damaged farm.
Authorities confirmed that at least one villager has been bitten by a snake and is receiving emergency medical treatment. Local reports also indicated that other stranded residents suffered snakebites but faced delays in accessing healthcare due to flood conditions.
Officials from the Hengzhou Emergency Management Bureau said rescue teams have been deployed to contain the situation and locate the escaped snakes, while an official update is expected as operations continue.
In response, more than a dozen volunteers from neighbouring communities formed a civilian snake-catching team to help reduce the risk of further attacks. Using fishing tools and other equipment, the volunteers have been searching flooded homes and surrounding areas for the escaped reptiles.
Wu Zhi said many of the snakes had likely been swept away by the floodwaters, while those remaining were mostly found clinging to floating debris and stagnant floodwater. Most of the snakes captured so far have been non-venomous water snakes.
Authorities have urged residents not to attempt to catch snakes on their own and advised anyone who spots a snake to immediately notify local officials so trained personnel can respond safely.
The incident has heightened safety concerns in the flood-hit region as emergency services continue rescue and recovery efforts.
