What to do?
First, stay calm and don't panic! Most of the snake species found in Hong Kong are non-venomous and harmless. If you happen to encounter a snake, stand still or move slowly away to give the snake a chance to escape without harming anyone.
Dense vegetation makes a good, concealed hunting ground and shelter for snakes. People and their pets should avoid unobvious trails with dense vegetation. Good maintenance of environmental hygiene, regular grass cutting and garbage clearance can deprive snakes of potential shelters and food sources.
If a snake poses an instant threat or enters your home, call the Police on 999 immediately.
Never attempt to catch a snake. Victims of any snakebite should seek medical attention immediately.
Snakes in General
Snakes come in all sizes and varieties and inhabit a myriad of habitats, excluding the poles. As top predators, snakes play an essential role in maintaining a sustainable balance in an ecosystem. Some snake species, such as the Common Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus), consume primarily rodents and are effective biological pest control agents.
Most snakes, including the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus), are timid creatures. They normally flee when they find themselves being threatened. Snakes are unlikely to attack or bite unless provoked.
Burmese Python
The Burmese Python is the largest non-venomous snake species in Hong Kong and is widely distributed throughout, particularly in rural New Territories. Adults are on average 9 to 12 feet in length. They breed in spring and summer.
Burmese Pythons inhabit lowland habitats ranging from freshwater marshes and mangroves to woodlands and streams. They are good climbers and can swim. They spend the majority of their time hidden in leaf litter and undergrowth. As nocturnal predators, they are usually active at night only and feed mostly on birds and small mammals.
Traditional hunting for the python’s decorative skin had once driven this snake species to the brink of extinction. In view of its near-threatened status, the Burmese Python is listed at Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). It is locally protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586): Hunting, willful disturbance, possession, sale or export of Burmese pythons, including their eggs, is an offence against the law and subject to fine and imprisonment.
Living in Harmony with Snakes
Snakes are part of our natural environment. By adopting proper measures and attitude, we can always live in harmony with snakes.
By Sally P.Y. Kong, Senior Information Officer, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
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