TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office issued a safety reminder Monday, urging caution as snake activity rises during the summer months.
The office noted that snakes often seek cool, shaded areas to rest in warmer weather. Homes near grass or shrubbery with easy outdoor access face a higher risk of snake encounters, according to CNA.
Wang Yen-hsu (王嚴緒), station chief at the Ruifang Animal Shelter, advises caution during summer when snakes seek shade and are easily missed. To prevent snakebites, Wang recommends using a stick to gently disturb tall grass or bushes before getting close or resting, giving any hidden snakes a chance to move away.
The office also recommended that people living in remote areas who are comfortable handling snakes keep basic equipment like a snake cage and tongs on hand for emergencies. Anyone who encounters or captures a snake should promptly notify authorities for safe removal by trained personnel.
The reminder follows a recent incident in New Taipei, where a resident discovered a venomous brown spotted pit viper coiled beneath a drawer in a cluttered kitchen. The snake was initially mistaken for a bundle of rope due to its tight coils and coloring.
Animal protection staff safely captured the snake using specialized equipment. As summer continues, authorities urge heightened vigilance both indoors and outdoors to prevent potentially dangerous snake encounters.
