What’s a Burmese python doing in Causeway Bay? Expert links reptile to rain

A Burmese python captured on video in a Hong Kong shopping district has sparked curiosity about its presence in the city. The snake, approximately two to three meters long, was spotted slithering across a road near Causeway Bay on Sunday evening, drawing significant attention on social media. Victor Wong, head of the Cheung Chau Animal Care education department, believes the recent heavy rain may have forced the reptile from its natural habitat, prompting it to seek shelter in urban areas.

Wong explained that heavy rainfall can flood natural environments, leading animals to relocate in search of new homes. This flooding can also drive small mammals, such as rats, out of hiding, causing snakes to follow the scent of their prey. Hong Kong experienced above-average rainfall in recent weeks, contributing to the unusual sighting.

Wong emphasized that wild animals often traverse the boundary between urban and natural areas, as the distinction between the two is increasingly blurred. The python's nighttime appearance aligns with the species' nocturnal feeding habits. Police were alerted to the sighting around 11:30 PM Sunday but found no trace of the animal.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed that Burmese pythons are non-venomous and protected under Hong Kong's Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Experts advise individuals encountering a snake to maintain a safe distance and seek immediate medical attention if bitten. A specialist in emergency medicine emphasized the importance of remaining calm and immobilizing the affected limb, while warning against ineffective methods such as suction or wound cutting.

Photographs of the snake, taken from a safe distance, could aid medical professionals in identification and treatment.