Keelung sees 45% rise in snake captures, urges public to give snakes escape room

Snake encounters are on the rise in Keelung, Taiwan, with the local animal protection office reporting a 45% increase in captures compared to the same period last year. As of the end of May, 286 snakes had been captured, a significant jump from the 197 recorded last year. The most commonly encountered species are the Taiwanese rat snake, also known as the Chinese moccasin, and the Taiwanese beauty snake.

With warmer weather driving snake activity, officials are reminding residents to take precautions. They advise keeping homes and yards tidy to deter rodents, which attract snakes. When venturing outdoors, especially for hiking, wearing protective footwear and long pants is recommended. Carrying a flashlight for nighttime activities can also enhance safety.

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Keep a safe distance and allow snakes space to escape. They will usually leave on their own.

Should an encounter occur, the advice is to remain calm and give the snake space to retreat. Authorities stress that snakes typically avoid humans and will leave if given the opportunity. They strongly discourage attempting to capture snakes by hand or provoking them with sticks. In the unfortunate event of a venomous snakebite, individuals should try to remember the snake's appearance and seek immediate medical attention.

The report also addresses the issue of releasing snakes, a practice sometimes undertaken for religious reasons. Officials warn that such actions, if not properly assessed, can be considered abandonment under animal protection laws, carrying fines up to NT$150,000. Releasing non-native species can devastate local ecosystems, while capturing and releasing native snakes may involve illegal poaching. Some native venomous snakes are protected species, and their illegal capture can result in prison sentences of up to five years.

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Releasing snakes without proper assessment may violate the Animal Protection Act, with fines up to NT$150,000.