33 rare snakes confiscated in Shanghai

SHANGHAI - Thirty-three rare snakes meant to be sold illegally in an aquatic products market in Shanghai were seized after a dealer was bitten by a poisonous species.

The snakes were confiscated from the market in Putuo district after a snake breeder named Guo Yupeng, 27, nearly died after being bitten by a narrow-banded krait, the Shanghai Daily reported Wednesday.

“He is recovering well,” a doctor at the Longhua hospital said. Guo can now open his eyes halfway and can write short notes to communicate.

The Putuo district administration carried out checks on market stalls after learning about illegal wildlife sales. The confiscated reptiles were sent to Shanghai Zoo.