Everything you need to know about snakes in Hong Kong

There are more than 50 snake species around Hong Kong, not including the six species of sea snake that are mostly absent from our waters nowadays. Although venomous snakes are common in all 24 of Hong Kong’s country parks, the last recorded snakebite death in Hong Kong occurred over 20 years ago. Here is a list of the most common snakes to look out for in Hong Kong and what to do if you encounter them.

What to do when you encounter a snake

• Keep your distance. Generally, a snake can only strike within a distance of one half of its body length. Most snakes, even venomous ones, are not aggressive and would rather avoid confrontation with people.
• To avoid snakes in your home, close cracks and crevices in building exterior walls and floors, and check for any snakes around pipes and utility connections. All doors and windows should have tightly fitting screens. Add weatherstripping around exterior door frames.
• If one snakes its way inside your home, it’s a good idea to have it removed, call the police on 999 who will contact a paid snake collector. Snakes will go to Kadoorie Farm, who run a government-coordinated police rescue service.

What to do if you get a snake bite

• Try to remain calm and move away from the snake
• Call for emergency help, or if quicker to do so, go directly to the nearest major hospital
• Don’t cut the skin around the wound and don’t try to suck the venom out
• Make careful note of the snake’s appearance, ideally take a picture if you can, to help doctors to confirm the snake ID
• Remove restrictive jewellery
• Apply a pressure bandage to the affected area

Common snakes in Hong Kong

Burmese Python

Scientific name: Python bivittatus
Venomous: No
Appearance: Yellow with large brown spots
Size: Average 3-4m, maximum size in Hong Kong is 5m
Habitat: Shrubland, woodland and mangrove swamps

The Burmese Python is Hong Kong’s largest snake and can be found in a variety of locations, but more commonly in areas of thicker jungle. It typically eats birds and small mammals, but if hungry may attempt larger prey such as dogs, deer or boar. The Burmese Python does not prey on humans, but there have been isolated cases where pythons have bitten passing hikers. The Burmese Python is a protected species in Hong Kong and interfering with or killing one may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.

Indo Chinese Ratsnake

Scientific name: Ptyas korros
Venomous: No
Appearance: Olive-brown with a long tail and large eyes
Size: Average 1.2-1.5m (can reach nearly 2m)
Habitat: Found in open, low lying areas such as grassy banks of streams and reservoirs, edges of cultivated fields and ponds, dry shrubland and woodland.

The Indo Chinese Ratsnake is a very common snake and feeds largely on frogs, but also rodents and lizards. It is most active during the daytime and common throughout Hong Kong, including many islands. This species of snake is very fast and will usually dart off if approached unless it is agitated, in which case it will bite quickly and vigorously. It’s commonly sold in snake shops for its gall bladder and meat and, as a result, is considered endangered in China.

Greater Green

Scientific name: cyclophiops major
Venomous: No
Appearance: Bright green, often mistaken for the Bamboo Snake.
Size: Average 75-90cm, sometimes up to 120cm
Habitat: Humid forests, shrubland, woodland, grassland

The Greater Green eats mainly earthworms, insect larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. It’s mild-mannered and rarely bites, moving slowly unless alarmed. It’s common throughout Hong Kong.

King Cobra

Scientific name: Ophiophagus hannah
Venomous: Yes
Appearance: Hooded, black with yellow bands (varies by individual and age).
Size: Average 4m, can grow up to 6m
Habitat: Grassland, shrubland, woodland, mangrove swamps

The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake and can be found throughout the New Territories. It has a toxic venom and can inject large quantities due to its sheer size. The King Cobra is a very shy creature and will avoid humans unless approached whilst guarding its nest of eggs, in which case it may become very defensive. These snakes have caused human fatalities in Hong Kong in the past, but are now very rare (possibly non-existent) on Hong Kong Island.

Bamboo Snake (White-Lipped Pit Viper)

Scientific name: Trimeresurus albolabris
Venomous: Yes
Appearance: Bright green, yellow eyes, with distinctive reddish-brown tail, triangular head
Size: Average 50cm, can grow up to 90cm
Habitat: Shrubland, grassland

The Bamboo Snake is responsible for over 90 per cent of all snake bites in Hong Kong but with no recorded fatalities. The snake is nocturnal and is an ambush hunter, relying on its camouflage and waiting for unsuspecting prey, which explains why the majority of snake bites come from this species.

Many Banded Krait

Scientific name: Bungarus multicinctus
Venomous: Yes
Appearance: Alternating black and white bands
Size: Average 1-1.2m
Habitat: Marshland, shrubland, woodland, catch waters

A highly venomous species with a potent neurotoxic venom that targets the nervous system.  Bites from the Many Banded Krait may at first be relatively painless, but can develop into critical organ failure if treatment is not sought. The Many Banded Krait has a flexible neck that can twist and bite even when held behind the neck.

Red-necked Keelback

Scientific name: Rhabdophis subminiatus helleri
Venomous: Yes
Appearance: Olive green, with a red patch behind the head
Size: Average 1m
Habitat: Near streams or locations where their favourite prey (common toad) is common.

One of Hong Kong’s most common venomous snakes, the Red-necked Keelback has a highly toxic venom. However, it lacks true fangs and can only deliver a venomous bite through its enlarged rear teeth which makes envenomation very unlikely (it would bite and hold on for several seconds to produce a venomous bite).

Common Rat Snake (Oriental Rat Snake)

Scientific name: Ptyas mucosus
Venomous: No
Appearance: Light brown
Size: Average 2-2.2m
Habitat: Shrubland, grassland, gardens

The largest of Hong Kong’s four ratsnake species (third longest snake overall) and common throughout Hong Kong. The Common Rat snake is very fast, feeds on frogs and mammals and is quick to defend itself when feeling threatened.

Common Blind Snake (Flowerpot Snake)

Scientific name: Ramphotyphlops braminus
Venomous: No
Appearance: Dark brown or black
Size: Average 10cm
Habitat: Almost any terrestrial habitat

Possibly Hong Kong’s (and the world’s) most abundant snake. This tiny snake looks similar to an earthworm and often the only way to tell the difference is by the flickering of its tongue. The Common Blind snake is often found burrowed underground. If handled or threatened, it can use its tail to cause a harmless prick.