bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Kylie Knott

From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series.
In May last year, Sun Tak-hei was hiking with his wife in Shing Mun Country Park in Hong Kong’s New Territories when they spotted a king cobra.
The bite of the king cobra, one of Hong Kong’s most venomous snakes, is potentially lethal.
They are also fast and will bite if scared. You know if one is in a bad mood when it rises up and expands its distinctive hood, which is what this one did.

But Sun, 32, a passionate reptile enthusiast with years of experience of keeping snakes as pets, knew what to do. He is, after all, one of Hong Kong’s 11 licensed snake catchers.
“I often observe and photograph different snake species in the wild while learning how to handle them properly,” says Sun.


“When my friends and neighbours learned about my passion for snakes, they frequently asked for my assistance in resolving snake-related issues.”
Over time, Sun was able to transform his interest into a profession as a seh wong – a Cantonese term for snake catcher. It translates as “snake king”.
“It brings me a lot of joy,” he says.
Typically, I remain at home on standby, ready to set out at a moment’s notice. As soon as I receive notification from the police, I quickly drive to the scene
Sun Tak-hei, licensed snake catcher
The 11 licensed catchers were appointed last year under a new “rapid release” government initiative that means the catchers respond to sightings and release reptiles they catch into the wild themselves.
In the past, police took the captured snakes to the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) in Tai Po where, after a health check, the reptiles were released into the wild.
The new rule does not apply to the Burmese python, a protected species in Hong Kong. Those are still sent to KFBG for checks.
The new system not only improves the snake’s chances of survival, but is also a way of rooting out snake catchers who use cruel methods.
Sun says peak season for snake activity in Hong Kong is late summer and early autumn, when the reptiles are found in all sorts of spots, from public toilets to prisons.

It is quite common for snakes to stray into human habitation in Hong Kong, with densely populated neighbourhoods close to countryside and people encroaching on wild habitats.
“I once received three to four urgent calls in a single day, with cases coming in one after another, keeping me extremely busy,” Sun says.
“Typically, I remain at home on standby, ready to set out at a moment’s notice. As soon as I receive notification from the police, I quickly drive to the scene.”
That sort of rapid response also comes in handy for Sun’s full-time job as an ambulanceman, high-pressure work that involves emergency medical services, assessment of patients’ conditions, and transporting them to hospital.
“The [snake] cases I handle range from simple complaints of discomfort to urgent rescues, such as those resulting from car accidents.”
If a snake is outside and doesn’t threaten you, it’s best to leave it alone. Snakes usually won’t attack unless they feel threatened
Sun Tak-hei, snake catcher
If you spot a snake, ignore your instincts to scream and run. The best thing is to stay calm. If you cannot identify the species, then do not approach it, he adds.
If a snake is in your home or garden, Sun says call the police for help and they will send a snake catcher.
“While waiting, keep a safe distance and don’t disturb the snake. If it’s not moving, try to leave it alone. If it is moving, you can follow it from a distance and take a photo for identification,” he says.
“If a snake is outside and doesn’t threaten you, it’s best to leave it alone. Snakes usually won’t attack unless they feel threatened,” he says. “Just back away slowly and don’t try to hit the snake, as this can be very dangerous.”












View this post on Instagram























A post shared by Adam F (@hongkongsnakeid)



There are 53 species of snakes in Hong Kong, with 14 of them venomous; of these, eight have a bite which can be lethal, Sun says.
“While there is a significant variety of snake species in Hong Kong, some are restricted to specific habitats; for instance, sea snakes inhabit the ocean, stream snakes live in streams, and certain snakes are found only in mountainous regions.
“Therefore, the work of a snake catcher does not involve every species in Hong Kong.”
Common venomous snakes that a catcher frequently encounters, he says, include the bamboo pit viper, red-necked keelback, Chinese cobra and many-banded krait.
Non-venomous snakes include the Burmese python, checkered keelback, common rat snake, Indo-Chinese rat snake and Taiwan kukri.

“Sometimes I receive calls about lost pet snakes,” says Sun, who also keeps a few as pets, including a ball python.
People misidentifying snakes is problematic.
“During conversations with the public, I still hear some common misconceptions regarding how to identify venomous snakes, such as relying on triangular heads or bright colours, which are misleading indicators.”
He also believes that the fear of snakes among Hong Kong residents has lessened.
“While some are still afraid of snakes, they often choose to call for help rather than attempting to kill them on their own.”
However, he occasionally encounters situations where snakes have been killed before he arrives at the scene, cases that leave him depressed.

He recalls one instance when a common non-venomous rat snake was killed with bleach by a cleaner.
“When I arrived, it had already been discarded in a trash bag, its body soaked in bleach and completely white,” he says. “It was truly unfortunate, and I hope such incidents decrease over time.”
One of Sun’s most unforgettable experiences was catching a snake at sea.
“I received a call from the Marine Police Aberdeen Base informing me that a Burmese python had climbed onto the Hong Kong Offshore Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal,” he says.
“This terminal is located in the waters to the east of the Soko Islands in Hong Kong, surrounded by sea. I quickly boarded the police boat and successfully caught the python, which was then transported to Cheung Chau Police Station.”
While it was not particularly large, the incident showed the astonishing swimming and migratory abilities of Burmese pythons, Sun says.

He says his journey to becoming a snake catcher has been a step-by-step process.
“I have always liked snakes, and by photographing and observing them in the wild, I gained valuable experience in handling them,” says Sun. He volunteered at KFBG, where he learned about the process of managing snakes and releasing them back into their natural habitats.
It is not just in Hong Kong that Sun gets his fang fix. He also explores other countries to learn about their snake species.
“In Bali I encountered [one of] the world’s largest snake species, the reticulated python,” he recalls. Females can exceed six metres in length.
While photographing snakes in the wild might sound stressful for many, Sun does it to relax.
“Sometimes, when I finish handling certain cases, if citizens express interest in snakes, I take the opportunity to educate them further.

“My goal is to provide accurate knowledge to reduce their fears and promote a better understanding of these fascinating creatures.”
And with snake catcher as a job title, there is one question on everyone’s lips: have you ever been bitten?
“I have been bitten by snakes, but only non-venomous ones. I haven’t been bitten by venomous snakes yet, as I am cautious when handling them,” he says. “When handling venomous snakes, I will use safety equipment such as professional snake gloves and hooks to prevent getting bitten.”

What to do if you are bitten by a snake

Move away from the snake if it has not already moved away and call emergency services on 999. Get to a hospital and seek medical care without delay. Even a bite from a non-venomous snake may require a tetanus shot or booster.


Take note of the snake’s appearance. This is important, as treatment varies. Do not try to catch or kill the snake, but take a picture if you can, or try to remember its shape – especially its head – and colour. A positive snake ID can help your treatment.


Be as still as possible. If you are waiting for help to arrive, lie on your back and take deep, steady breaths.


Gently clean the wound with water.


Remove clothing, jewellery or constricting items.

For more information, visit the Hong Kong Snake ID website.


Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Roosters, from lucky colour to lots of wealth, love

Donald Trump as Buddha figures by Chinese sculptor see renewed interest. Elon Musk next up

Palace Museum to bring Islamic, Tutankhamun relics to Hong Kong in 2025

Malaysians’ embrace of Mandarin is a win for multiculturalism

Chinese culture

Hong Kong snake catcher channels his passion for reptiles into public service

Hong Kong snake catcher Sun Tak-hei encountered a reticulated python in Bali in July 2023. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei


Hong Kong snake catcher Sun Tak-hei spotted a king cobra while hiking with his wife, Jane, in Hong Kong’s Shing Mun Country Park. He recalls notable snake encounters and explains what to do if bitten. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei 


Snake catcher Sun Tak-hei near his home in Tseung Kwan O, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Photo: Jonathan Wong

 In July 2024, Sun bagged a 4-metre-long python at a construction site in Yung Shue Au, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei

Hong Kong snake catcher Sun Tak-hei encountered a reticulated python in Bali, Indonesia, in July 2023. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei 

A common non-venomous rat snake was killed with bleach by a cleaner in November 2024. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei 

One of Sun’s most unforgettable experiences was catching a snake at sea. In June 2024, a Burmese python climbed onto a natural gas terminal near the Soko Islands. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei

Sun with one of the most commonly caught venomous snakes in Hong Kong: the red-necked keelback. Photo: courtesy of Sun Tak-hei 

If you encounter a snake, stay calm and move away. If you are bitten, you need to try note the snake’s appearance and seek immediate medical attention. Photo: Shutterstock

7 snake idioms to ring in the Year of the Snake, including one about being two-faced

Why would legs drawn on a snake mean something is ruined? What does a bow’s shadow have to do with reptiles? Seven snake idioms and their meanings. Photo: Shutterstock

One idiom refers to drawing legs on a snake – in other words, making unnecessary changes to something. Snakes do not have legs. Those are called lizards (pictured: an iguana). Photo: Shutterstock

A snake and dragon statuette with Chinese coins and a pyramid. One idiom referring to snakes and dragons is used in association with spaces where both good and bad people can be found. Photo: Shutterstock

A golden Buddha statue in Thailand. A Chinese idiom refers to a person who has the words of the Buddha but the intention of a snake. Photo: Getty Images

An illustration of a giant snake killing an elephant, similar to a Chinese idiom that describes a snake trying to swallow an elephant – meaning a person who is never content. Photo: YouTube

An idiom that refer to being scared of rope after being bitten by a snake is like the English proverb “once bitten, twice shy”. Photo: Shutterstock

Venomous creatures in Hong Kong, from jellyfish to hornets to centipedes – beware, some can kill

One of Hong Kong’s most venomous snakes, the Chinese cobra can be founds in grassy, shrubby, wooded and mangrove areas. Photo: AFCD

KP7KTK Chinese Red Head Centipede aka Giant Centipede, Jungle Centipede, Orange Legged Centipede, Red Headed Centipede, Vietnamese Centipede (Scolopendra

This handout image shows William Sargent take a pictures of Chinese Cobra during the snake safari, around in Tai Mo Shan. Photo: Red Door News [FEATURES]

Textile cone shell

This picture shows a invasive hornet, Taimali, Taiwan. 26OCT17 SCMP / James Wendlinger [2017 FEATURE]

JEYRWA Lion's mane jellyfish

King Cobra (Ophinophagus hannah) found in Pak Sha O, Sai Kung.

D8TD5Y Bufo melanostictus Asian common toad. wild specimen found in Hong Kong.

Many-banded Krait.

M985N3 The Peruvian coral snake (Micrurus peruvianus) is a highly secretive but venomous inhabitant of the jungle.

G4J6G3 Poisonous Blue Ring Octopus, Hapalochlaena lunulata, Ambon, Moluccas, Indonesia

FY3JFR Puffer Fish on Black Background

How snake safaris help Hongkongers lose their fear of the reptiles by getting up close with them

William Sargent is on a mission to change Hong Kong people’s perceptions of the much-maligned reptiles

Safari-goer Paul Dickson holding a diamond-backed water snake

A snake spotted at the safari in Tai Po with William Sargent. 26MAY18 [FEATURES] SCMP / Jonathan Wong

*** ONE TIME USE ONLY *** William Sargent rescuing a Burmese python in Lantau on November 30, 2011. [30JUN2014 BROADSHEET LIFE]

Other creatures spotted on the safari included this cascade frog that's endemic to Hong Kong Photo: Paul Dickson

Other creatures spotted on safari included this common skink. Photo: Paul Dickson

William Sargent holds a many-banded krait during a snake safari in Tai Po. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Why the Year of the Wood Snake starting in 2025 could bring major change, and more luck

A snake at a farm in Bangkok, Thailand. The next lunar new year will be a Year of the Wood Snake, which comes around every 60 years. The previous one, in 1965, saw dynamic change and upheaval. Are we in for more of the same? Photo: Getty Images

Snakes made of palm leaves are displayed in Shanghai to celebrate the previous Year of the Snake in 2013. Photo: Getty Images

Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, people line up to vote, most for the first time, in Alabama in the US in 1966. Photo: Getty Images

Angry depositors protest and clash with police outside the office of the chairman of the Canton Trust and Commercial Bank in 1965, the previous Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Photo: Chan Kiu

Lifestyle

Year of the Snake 2025: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

Why there are fewer babies born in the Year of the Snake, and what it means

A family where the lucky colour red for Lunar New Year. Fewer babies are born in the Year of the Snake, with many parents believing they will be unlucky. Photo: Shutterstock

A lighting installation at Beijing’s Wenyuhe Park to welcome the coming Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

A serpent-shaped light installation in Nanjing, Jiangsu, eastern China to mark the Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Monkeys, from lucky colour to a big career boost

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The Monkey’s lucky colour for Year of the Snake is red. Monkeys can expect career advancements, according to Chinese geomancy, but trouble on some fronts. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Those born in the Year of the Monkey will enjoy a lot of career development this year. Photo: Shutterstock

This year, married Monkeys will be affected by a menacing star that will leave them prone to emotional changes. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Sheep, unlucky in love but money prospects good

Things will go well for Sheep who are married or in a stable relationship in the Year of the Snake. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The lucky colour for Sheep in the Year of the Snake is khaki. According to Chinese geomancy, those born in the Year of the Sheep will make money this year if they are careful. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Sheep will need to be prepared if they are thinking about switching careers, changing jobs or starting a business. Photo: Shutterstock

Things will go well for Sheep who are married or in a stable relationship. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for 12 zodiac signs. How is your health, luck, wealth?

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha predicts the varying fortunes of people born under the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the coming Year of the Snake. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Snakes, from lucky colour to making easy money

Snakes will have mixed fortunes in the Year of the Snake. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Feng Shui master Tong Pik-ha reveals what lies in store for Snakes in 2025. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Money will come easy for Snakes in the coming lunar year. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Tai sui are guardian deities. Those born in the Year of the Snake clash with them in 2025. Photo: Shutterstock

Why do people born in the Year of the Snake make good lovers, friends and colleagues?

People born in the Year of the Snake are caring friends – once you break the ice. They are also romantic lovers and also one of the best colleagues to have in a crisis. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha at her office in San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The independent Snake is very good at networking, Tong says. Photo: Jonathan Wong

People who are born in the Year of the Snake are very enterprising. Illustration: Adolfo Arranz

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Horses, including lucky colour and love prospects

The Year of the Snake will be an auspicious one for Horses. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The Year of the Snake will bring good luck in love for Horses, with single ones poised to find their perfect match. Photo: Shutterstock

Horses’ lucky colour in the Year of the Snake is grey. Our model wears a Marant Etoile grey dress c/o Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

It’s going to be a good year financially for Horses, who will benefit from a clear mind and quick thinking. Take advantage of this to get that pay rise or promotion. Photo: Shutterstock

The love lives of Horses will be spectacular this year, especially for women. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

10 snake-themed Chinese-language movies that charm us, from erotica to horror to animation

A still from Anaconda (2024), one of our picks of the best Chinese snake movies.

A still from White Snake (2019), one of 10 Chinese-language films featuring snakes that we think make perfect viewing with the Year of the Snake coming.

A promotional poster for The Snake Girl (1974).

A promotional poster for Snake Beauty (1994).

8 celebrities born in the Year of the Snake, from Taylor Swift to J.K. Rowling to Psy

Taylor Swift during a concert in Singapore as part of The Eras Tour. The singer is among a number of celebrities born in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey at a campaign rally for US Vice-President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia in 2024. Photo: AP

Chris Martin of British rock band Coldplay on stage at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria in 2024. Photo: AFP

Author J.K. Rowling at an HBO series premiere in New York in 2019. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump at a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping during the G20 leaders summit in Japan in 2019. Photo: Reuters

Why ‘growing snakes’ – shingles – is so painful and how to prevent it

That snake-like shingles rash can appear anywhere - not just on the trunk, but also the face where it can affect the eyes and vision.
Photo: Shutterstock


The shingles virus generally only appears on one side of the body, not both. Photo: Shutterstock

The shingles rash can appear anywhere, including the face, where it can affect the eyes and vision. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr Wong Sze-man says there is a lack of awareness of the complications that can arise from shingles. Photo: Marina Medical Clinic

Photo: Shutterstock 

The CDC recommends that everybody over 50 should get Shingrix, which comes in two separate doses separated by two to six months. Photo: Shutterstock

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – or chickenpox – which most of us were exposed to as children. Photo: Shutterstock 

Mark Chern is a TCM practitioner in Singapore whose approach to treating shingles includes acupuncture and herbal remedies. Photo: LinkedIn 

From evil to good snake, how the zodiac animal became a righteous figure in Chinese mythology

Nüwa, the creator deity in Chinese folklore, is often depicted with a human head and serpent-like body. Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

An image from the Summer Palace, Beijing, China, depicting the Legend of the White Snake. Photo: Summer Palace

The cover of Liang Luo’s book.

Snakes are depicted as evil spirits in the Chinese classic tale Journey to the West. Photo: Imagin8 Press

The Legend of the White Snake has evolved over the centuries. 

The coming Year of the Snake celebrates an animal that has been transformed from evil spirit to righteous demon in Chinese mythology. Photo: Shutterstock

What the mythical snake Naga represents, both good and evil, in Hinduism and Buddhism

The seven-headed Naga Mucalinda (seen here in Thailand) is King of the Serpents in Buddhist mythology. The snake figure is also worshipped by Hindus. Photo: Shutterstock

A late 12th–early 13th century Cambodian statue depicting Mucalinda protecting Buddha from a storm. Photo: The Met

Naga statues in Lop Buri, Thailand. Sculptures of the serpents are more colourful and vivid in Thailand than those in Cambodia. Photo: Shutterstock

Stone carvings of Naga serpents and Khmer deities at Banteay Srey Temple, Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Photo: Shutterstock

Pet snakes trending in Hong Kong as Gen Z opts for ‘chill’ animals over cats and dogs

A ball python at Slave World pet shop in Hong Kong. Photo: Austin Zhang 

A ball python at Fishman Shop reptile specialist in Hong Kong. More youngsters in the city are keeping snakes as pets. Photo: Austin Zhang

A snake at Fishman Shop, a reptile specialist in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Photo: Austin Zhang

A red bull snake at Slave World in Mong Kok. Photo: Austin Zhang

A Stuart’s milk snake at Fishman Shop. Photo: Austin Zhang

A ball python at Slave World. Photo: Austin Zhang

New understanding about how snakes regrow their guts could help treat human diseases

The mechanisms pythons use to regrow their intestines may provide insight on treatments for human gastrointestinal diseases, a new study shows. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS

Dr Stephen Badylak, deputy director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Photo: University of Pittsburgh

Todd Castoe, the biology professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who led the python gut study. Photo: University of Texas at Arlington

A Burmese python on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. When digesting their first meal in a long time, the Burmese pythons used in the new study increase their metabolic rate to 22 to 44 times that when fasting as they regenerate their intestines. Photo: Peter Parks

The new study’s findings about the gene BEST5+ could unlock new ways of healing and repairing Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, and colorectal cancer in humans. Illustration: Shutterstock

An African ball python at Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens in Hong Kong. Castoe says humans share with pythons a “back door secret” to remodelling their gut and reprogramming their metabolism. Photo: Jonathan Wong

How the snake is loved, hated or feared in cultures and religions around the world

A depiction of the Egyptian sun god Ra fighting the snake god Apep. Snakes are either hated in mythology as evil, sneaky, dangerous, or revered as saviours and friends of the gods. Photo: Getty Images

In the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, a serpent persuaded Eve to eat fruit from the forbidden tree.

Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing, is depicted with a snake coiled around his staff. Photo: Getty Images

Ancient Egyptian god Apep was a giant snake with human legs, and was at war with the sun god Ra. Photo: Getty Images

Jörmungandr is the giant snake monster in Norse mythology that declared war on the gods. 

Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with Vasuki the snake coiled around his neck. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong ‘snake bible’ author on why they rarely bite and are ‘really quite special’

A  Burmese python, the apex snake species in Hong Kong. Photo: Adam Francis

Hong Kong snake catcher channels his passion for reptiles into public service

Sun Tak-hei, one of 11 licensed snake catchers in Hong Kong, talks about his enthusiasm for reptiles and how to deal with a wild snake