When cleaning your home environment, it's advisable to wear a mask and gloves to reduce discomfort caused by dust and dirt. However, there are some situations where gloves alone are not enough to protect you.
In New Taipei City, Taiwan, a man surnamed Chen decided to tidy up his kitchen, which had accumulated a lot of clutter. Suddenly, he noticed a bundle of rope on the floor and casually reached down to pick it up—only to realize he was almost in serious danger.
The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office reported that Mr. Chen, living in Ruifang District, nearly grabbed not a rope, but a live snake! His kitchen was filled with pots, pans, tables, and chairs, which unfortunately invited the snake inside.
Fortunately, Mr. Chen noticed the snake in time and did not act rashly. He quickly called the Animal Protection Office for help. When the professionals arrived, they found the room cluttered with many items and initially couldn't locate the snake. Using snake tongs to carefully search, they finally discovered the snake coiled at the bottom of a pile of drawers. It looked like a bundle of rope but was confirmed to be a venomous Brown-spotted pit viper.
Animal Protection Office's Advice
The office reminded residents that if your home is semi-open and directly connected to the outdoors—especially if surrounded by grassy areas—snakes are more likely to enter during the summer to seek cool places. Cluttered environments attract rodents and frogs, which in turn lure predatory snakes.
When encountering a snake, never touch it with your hands. Besides keeping your living space tidy, when resting outdoors in shady spots, it's recommended to carefully check the surroundings first or use a stick to "beat the grass and scare the snakes" before approaching.
About the Brown-spotted Pit Viper
The Brown-spotted pit viper tends to coil into a tight ball. Its dark brown patterned back can easily be mistaken for a rope in dim lighting. According to Taiwan's quick snake identification guide, this species is highly aggressive and carries a potent hemorrhagic venom that can be fatal. It is one of the snake species responsible for the most bite incidents.
However, snakes generally only attack when they feel threatened. The Animal Protection Office advises that if you find a snake in your home, do not panic. Maintain a safe distance, observe its location, and immediately call for professional assistance.
