Summer is upon us in the PRD, and along with blistering heat and sky-high humidity comes another unwelcome guest: snakes.
A Surge in Snakebites
From May to October, snakes tend to proliferate throughout the city, especially on muggy days or after heavy rains. From July 11-20 in 2016, for instance, emergency centers in the city reported an alarming eight cases of poisonous snakebites. Most victims were in parks when they were attacked.
Below, find out how to avoid being bitten in the first place as well as what to do if a snake strikes.
Precautions
Be vigilant when exercising outside at night or in the early morning, especially after it rains
Avoid large patches of tall grass or vegetation that may conceal snakes; also, watch your hands and feet when moving around big rocks and logs
If in a risky area, wear long pants and boots
When navigating a plant-dense area, try using a stick to probe and tap the ground before you step, which may help scare snakes away
If you spot a snake, back away slowly
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten
Immediately call 120 for emergency care
Try to remember the color and pattern of the snake (see below for examples of poisonous snakes), which may help with treatment
While waiting for help, stay as calm and still as possible
Lie or sit down so that the bite is below the level of your heart
Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing or bandage
What Not to Do If You’ve Been Bitten
We shouldn’t have to say this, but – don’t try to catch the snake afterwards
Don’t attempt to cut the wound or suck out the venom
Do not use a tourniquet or otherwise cut off circulation above the bite
Don’t ice the wound, and avoid immersing it in water
Poisonous Snake Identification
Below are some varieties of poisonous snakes, along with their Chinese names, found in the Pearl River Delta.
Chinese bamboo viper, 竹叶青 (zhu ye qing)
Image via Wikimedia
Banded krait, 金环蛇 (jin huan she)
Image via Wikimedia
Many-banded krait, 银环蛇 (yin huan she)
Image via Wikimedia
Long-nosed pit viper, 五步蛇 (wu bu she)
Image via Wikimedia
Cobra/Chinese cobra, 眼睛蛇/眼睛王蛇 (yan jing she, yan jing wang she)
Image via Wikimedia
This article was originally published on July 26, 2016. It was updated and republished on May 29, 2019.
[Cover image via Wikimedia]
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