Now Shenzhen | July 10, 2023
OFFICERS at Huanggang Customs recently discovered five live snakes wrapped in stockings around a woman’s chest area.
The officers noticed a female traveler looking peculiar at the immigration channel of Futian Checkpoint. They promptly led her to the inspection counter for further examination and discovered the snakes.
The snakes have since been handed over to the relevant authorities.
According to media reports, the five snakes have been identified as corn snakes, a non-venomous species found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the U.S., as well as along the Gulf of Mexico.
Due to their diverse colors and gentle temperament, corn snakes are highly popular as pet snakes and are among the main varieties sold in the reptile pet market. However, since these snakes were not subjected to quarantine and inspection, they could potentially carry foreign viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Shenzhen, being highly urbanized and influenced by artificially or semi-artificially created natural landscapes, has fragile biodiversity, experts say. They warned that the city’s artificial ecosystems are easily disrupted, making it susceptible to the introduction, establishment and outbreak of invasive species.
Some species have a strong ability to adapt to the local environment. Certain introduced species lack natural predators and have environments that are highly suitable for their survival, such as water resources, ecological conditions and temperature. This can lead to large-scale population growth, causing severe damage to the local ecosystem, as seen with species like water hyacinth, apple snails and red fire ants.
People are forbidden to carry live animals to the Chinese mainland from overseas without prior approval. (SD News)
ARTICLE FROM: Shenzhen Daily