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.