Public warned to stay alert as 5 snake bites reported in Taitung

Taipei, June 6 (CNA) Local authorities in Taitung County are urging the public to stay vigilant and avoid disturbing snakes in the wild, following five reported snakebite cases in the southeastern Taiwan county so far in 2025.

Lin Chien-cheng (林建誠), secretary of the Taitung County Fire Department, told CNA on Friday that among the five recent snakebite cases, two in Donghe Township involved Taiwan habus, one involved a Chinese pit viper near the South Link Railway, and two others were caused by unidentified snakes.

He advised residents near fields to be cautious of snakes hiding in shady indoor areas, especially when entering or leaving their homes at night.

In case of a snakebite, Lin urged people to stay calm and, if possible, identify the snake to assist doctors in administering the appropriate antivenom.

The county's public health bureau said that anyone bitten should be taken to the hospital immediately.

The bureau added that all sixteen townships in the county have snake antivenom available.

Also on Friday, Taitung County Agriculture Department head Hsu Chia-hao (許家豪) told CNA that snake activity peaks between May and October each year, during Taitung's hottest and most humid months.

Hsu said the period sees a significant increase in snake reports, with 565 cases in 2024 -- about 70 percent of the total that year -- and added that reports peak in August.

He said snakes tend to inhabit areas overgrown with weeds or cluttered with debris. To reduce the chances of snakes entering homes, he recommended keeping surroundings clean to discourage prey like mice from breeding.

Hsu reminded people to avoid walking through overgrown weeds or moving rocks during outdoor activities. If they encounter a snake, they should not disturb or attempt to remove it. Instead, they should call 1999 to report the sighting, and local authorities will dispatch professionals to handle the situation.

The official added that many of Taiwan's snakes are endangered and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by eating mice, so killing them is not recommended.

The Taitung County government said most snakes do not actively attack humans but react defensively when threatened. The public is advised to follow three principles: "don't move, don't startle and report immediately" to ensure both personal safety and ecological protection.