A giant python was seen wrapping itself around a tall tree in Wutong Mountain, Shenzhen by passers-by last week. The reptile caused a moment of panic when it appeared early on June 21.
A handful of onlookers took out their mobile phones to take photos and videos of the python. The video footage shows that the snake looks as thick as an adult's calf, and it is tightly wrapped around the tree. Netizens commented that "it is too scary", "it makes my blood freeze", "my legs are weak".
(Photo: Wutong Mountain Scenic Area)
"Big snakes" have been found many times in Shenzhen. Due to the hot and humid weather in summer, snakes love to hang out in parks and natural reserves that are covered in a dense array of plants.
In 2022, a 4-meter-long boa constrictor appeared in Wuzhipa Forest Park, Baoan District, Shenzhen. The park rangers immediately turned to the Shenzhen Wildlife Rescue Center for aid. The boa constrictor was then captured and brought to safety.
(Photo: Shenzhen Dajianshi)
At noon on October 1, 2020, a python was lying lazily and basking in the sun at the entrance of Shenzhen Mangrove Seashore Ecological Park. After identification, it turned out to be a Burmese python with a length of 3 meters and a weight of 10 kilograms. And it is listed as China's first-class national protected animal.
(Photo: Shenzhen Dajianshi)
What to do if you see a snake in forest parks and natural reserves
1. Keep calm and leave it alone. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so it's best to leave them be.
2. Call the police at once and never try to catch or kill a snake yourself. This is when most bites happen.
3. Stick to the trails in parks and reserves, and make a bit of noise when you walk.
4. If you are bitten, sit quietly, as this will reduce the speed of the venom that can move around your body. Then call for an ambulance immediately.
5. Please remember that snakes play an important role in our ecosystem, especially in controlling rats and mice. Some of them are even protected native animals. So it is illegal to kill them unless there is a direct threat to human life.
Author: Ariel
Editor: Olivia, Steven, Monica, Jerry
