TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A resident of New Taipei’s Sanzhi District was startled after discovering a snake on a toilet in Cherry Blossom Park next to Balian River.
A staff member from New Taipei’s Animal Protection Office, Tang Chun-yuan (唐俊源), identified the snake as a non-venomous red-banded snake (Lycodon rufozonatus). He placed it in a cage and took it into the mountains to be released into the wild.
According to New Taipei’s Animal Protection Office, there were 3,650 requests by the public to catch and relocate snakes in 2023. The top three snakes most commonly found were the Taiwanese habu, red-banded snake, and king ratsnake, per New Taipei City Government.
The office reminded the public that when engaging in outdoor activities to wear long trousers and sleeves, and to undertake basic safety precautions.
The Sanzhi District resident who discovered the snake, Lin Zhen-jie (林振界), said his family member was about to sit on the toilet when the red-banded snake appeared. After hearing a family member scream for help, he called the Animal Protection Office.
The office said each snake has different habits, including the venomous and non-venomous variety. Most snakes will not go out of their way to attack humans.
The office said that if a snake bites, try to remember the snake's physical characteristics and seek medical attention as soon as possible. The public is also asked not to purposely harass snakes, as this could be a violation of the Wildlife Conservation Act.
To report snakes that need to be removed from populated areas, call the New Taipei Animal Protection Office 24-hour reporting hotline at 02-29596353 or the citizen hotline at 1999.
