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Man Loses Thumb to Pet Viper Bite in Beijing

1/1/2026

24 3

Summary

Story summary

A Beijing man surnamed Huang had his thumb amputated after being bitten by his pet long-nosed viper.
The incident occurred when Huang hand-fed the ill snake.
China's state media CCTV reported the event on December 18.
In Chinese folklore, this snake is said to be fatal and is known as the 'five step snake'.
The trend of keeping exotic pets, like this snake, has gained popularity in China.

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Story summary

A Beijing man surnamed Huang had his thumb amputated after being bitten by his pet long-nosed viper.
The incident occurred when Huang hand-fed the ill snake.
China's state media CCTV reported the event on December 18.
In Chinese folklore, this snake is said to be fatal and is known as the 'five step snake'.
The trend of keeping exotic pets, like this snake, has gained popularity in China.