Snake Shedding Skin: Mysterious "Eerie Rope" Found on Hiking Trail?

As summer approaches, many mosquitoes appear outdoors, and snakes—feared by many—are also starting to emerge!

Recently, a male netizen posted several photos in the Facebook group "Dakeng Hiking Trails", attracting over 1,600 curious viewers. Upon seeing the images, many gasped in surprise.

The original poster shared that as the weather grows hotter, on June 10 around 11 a.m., along Trail No. 3 in Taichung, Taiwan, he spotted a large snake shedding its skin. It was estimated to be about 2 meters long. He warned fellow hikers: "When hiking, don't keep your head down while climbing; stay alert to your surroundings to avoid accidentally grabbing a snake."

After the post went viral, many people widened their eyes and exclaimed things like:

• "We should bring a hat when hiking to prevent snakes from falling on our heads—it's safer."
• "I always look down at my feet. Last time, I touched monkey droppings on a handrail."
• "Such a thin rope!"
• "Not just small dragons, but beehives have also increased."
• "This makes my legs weak."
• "I'm too scared to go in summer."
• "Oh my goodness! My natural enemy!"
• "Super scary."

How to Avoid Encountering Snakes

According to CTWANT, if you want to avoid running into snakes, the Fire Department recommends keeping your home surroundings tidy to prevent debris buildup, which reduces the presence of rodents and other snake prey.

If you encounter a snake, remain calm. Do not disturb or attempt to catch it yourself. Instead, immediately call 119 to request professional assistance.

When hiking or going outdoors, wear closed shoes and long pants. Avoid directly flipping over stones or grass clumps where snakes might hide.

Important Safety Tips

The Fire Department emphasizes that most snakes do not actively attack humans, so there is no need to panic excessively.

If bitten by a snake, remember the "Three Musts" principle:

1. Try to remember the snake's appearance and color as accurately as possible.
2. Stay calm and minimize movement to slow the spread of venom.
3. Seek immediate medical attention.

By staying vigilant and prepared, you can enjoy the outdoors safely even during the summer months when wildlife activity increases.