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Slimy stream snakes seen swarming silt
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-04-05 10:26
Thousands of water snakes have been swimming along the banks of the Pearl
River in Guangzhou, the Southern Metropolis News reports.
The vipers are of all colours, with the longest about 60 centimetres and
shortest 30. Some residents used self-made nets to fish out more than 200 snakes
in a mere 20 minutes.
The snakes swam to the western side of the river in about two hours.
Experts said the water snake, which usually frequents freshwater streams and
ponds, cannot inhabit polluted rivers such as the Pearl. Water snakes do not do
well in rivers since there is little food available to them there.
Local residents estimate the snakes' numbers grew due to freeing animals
during the Tomb-sweeping festival in early April.
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