Almost 900 snakes escape China breeding farms during floods, residents bitten

Severe flooding in Hengzhou damaged snake breeding farms, allowing hundreds of snakes, including cobras, to escape. Authorities warned residents to stay alert as snakebite cases emerged, and rescue teams expanded medical support.

In Short

• Floodwaters entered Hengzhou breeding farms after heavy rain linked to Typhoon Maysak
• Escaped species included water snakes, king ratsnakes and highly venomous cobras
• State media footage showed residents using dip nets in muddy waters

Hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, escaped from breeding farms in southern China after severe flooding damaged facilities in the region, leaving authorities warning residents to remain cautious.

According to a report by The Guardian, the incident took place in Hengzhou, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, after days of heavy rainfall linked to Typhoon Maysak caused floodwaters to enter a snake breeding farm.

The flooding allowed several species, including water snakes, king ratsnakes and cobras, to escape from the facility, prompting concerns among nearby residents.

A dramatic video shared by Chinese state media showed locals attempting to catch snakes using dip nets while navigating through muddy floodwaters. In one of the visuals, a cobra was seen raising its head above the water as people moved through the flooded area.

The escape led to several snake-related incidents in the affected area. One villager told Beijing News that he was bitten by a cobra while clearing debris from the ground floor of his home after the floods.

“I’ve seen five or six,” the man, who was being treated at a local hospital, said while describing the snakes he encountered.

A local doctor who treated snakebite patients told the publication that several villagers had arrived for medical care after the typhoon hit the region.

Authorities in Hengzhou acknowledged reports that floodwaters had damaged snake breeding farms and that some residents had been bitten by escaped snakes.

The snake escape occurred as parts of Guangxi faced severe flooding following days of intense rainfall. According to The Guardian, two reservoirs in the region had overflowed and breached, leaving several villages surrounded by floodwaters.

The flooding caused widespread disruption, with thousands of people evacuated from affected areas. The report said at least six people were killed in Guangxi, while dozens of others remained missing.

Other parts of China also faced severe weather-related damage, with state media reporting deaths caused by landslides, thunderstorms and tornadoes in different provinces.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out” rescue efforts as authorities continued responding to the impact of flooding and extreme weather.

Following the snake escapes, the Hengzhou Media Convergence Centre released emergency guidance warning residents that venomous snakes, including cobras, kraits and green pit vipers, could seek shelter in homes, staircases, building corners and along riverbanks.

Authorities increased anti-venom supplies and opened a fast-track treatment channel for snakebite cases at Hengzhou People’s Hospital, which had been designated as the city’s snakebite treatment centre.

Rescue teams and medical specialists were also deployed to affected areas, while additional medical stations were set up to support residents.

Although snake sightings were common in flood-hit parts of southern China, officials said large-scale escapes from commercial snake farms remained unusual. The incident added another challenge for communities already struggling with the aftermath of severe flooding.

- Ends