A Spotter’s Guide to Hong Kong’s Five Most Common Snakes

Bamboo Snake

Scientific name: Trimeresurus albolabris
Size: Average size 50cm, but can reach up to 90cm
Appearance: Bright green with a yellow (female) or white (male) underbelly. Reddish-brown streak in the tail. Triangular-shaped head with orange-yellow eyes.
Distribution: Common in hilly areas with shrubs and grass, particularly on the edges of fields. Usually stays on ground level but has been known to climb trees and bushes. Rare in dense forest and not found in wetlands (areas with mangrove swamps or fish ponds). Can be found hiding under rocks and other objects.
Diet: Eats frogs, lizards, small mammals and occasionally birds.
Venomous: Yes. Extremely painful bite but rarely causes death in healthy people.

Chinese Cobra

Scientific name: Naja atra
Size: Average 90-100cm, has been recorded up to 165cm
Appearance: Usually black gray or brown but occasionally gold in color. A short, wide hood, usually with white eye spots.
Distribution: Have been found in a variety of topographies, including around mangrove swamps, grasslands and open woodlands. Rare in dense forests and hillsides. Can be found near homes in rural areas. Generally nocturnal and hides underneath objects.
Diet: Eats frogs, rodents and other snakes.
Venomous: When defending itself, will rise up and strike downwards. Bites are nasty and may cause redness, swelling, blistering and tissue necrosis. Antivenom is widely available. (Source: Hong Kong Medical Journal)

Common Rat Snake

Scientific name: Ptyas mucosus
Size: Average 150-195cm, has been recorded up to 255cm
Appearance: Light brown with subtle crossbar striping. A long, whip-like tail.
Distribution: Found throughout rural areas, including farms, gardens, shrubland and grassy regions. Also found near reservoirs and ponds. Will sometimes enter homes in search of prey. Also found in snake restaurants as food.
Diet: Eats frogs, birds and rodents.
Venomous: Not venomous to humans, but will bite and lash out aggressively when captured.