A netizen in Xuancheng, East China's Anhui Province, reported that their father was bitten by two venomous snakes—a five-step viper and a bamboo pit viper—right outside their home, The Beijing News reported on August 21, 2025. Photo: Screenshot of the report

A netizen in Xuancheng, East China's Anhui Province, reported that his father was bitten by two venomous snakes—a five-step viper and a bamboo pit viper—right outside their home, The Beijing News said.

The netizen said their father accidentally stepped on the snakes while they were fighting, leading to the bites. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

On the evening of Wednesday, staff at local hospital confirmed the incident, saying the hospital has anti-venoms for both five-step vipers and bamboo pit vipers. The patient is receiving treatment and is not in life-threatening condition.

Some netizens joked, "What martial arts novels wouldn't dare write has actually happened in real life," while others said the incident was a reminder not to play with phones while walking.

Previously, Shenzhen city's fire department reminded that the period from April to October each year is the high-risk season for snake bites. Residents are advised to use screens or curtains to cover open doors and windows, using repellents such as realgar powder. If encountering a snake, do not provoke it; instead move to a safe area and call for help.

The Beijing News