A Nighttime Adventure in the Hong Kong Wilderness
For those who dare to venture into the unknown, Hong Kong offers a unique experience – a nighttime ‘Snake Safari’ through its lush, subtropical landscapes.
Source: media.cnn.com
William Sargent, a 46-year-old snake expert, has been leading these nocturnal excursions since 2017. A police-approved herpetologist, Sargent has honed his passion for studying amphibians and reptiles during his teenage years exploring Hong Kong’s verdant territories.
‘The vast majority of snakes that show up in your house don’t want to live there. It’s just by circumstance, like a fish jumping in your boat,’ Sargent explains, dispelling common fears about snakes.
According to Dr. Sung Yik-hei, a professor at Lingnan University and one of Hong Kong’s leading reptile experts, the city’s unique geography – with its mix of mountains, coastal areas, lowlands, wetlands, and freshwater streams – supports a remarkable diversity of snake species, with over 50 species found in the city.
‘Given its size, Hong Kong has a disproportionately high number of snakes,’ Dr. Sung points out. ‘The likelihood of encountering a snake is not low, but the chance of getting bitten is very low. Even if you are, Hong Kong is one of the safest places in the world for snakebites because of the quality and proximity of hospitals.’
During the Snake Safari, Sargent and his team encounter a variety of species, including bamboo pit vipers, diamondback water snakes, bicolored stream snakes, and many-banded kraits – one of the most venomous snakes in the world. The group also spots other wildlife, such as barking deer, leopard cats, porcupines, swamp eels, birds of prey, frogs, and fire-bellied newts.
As Sargent navigates the dense jungle, he shares his expertise and dispels myths about snakes. ‘Snakes are not slimy, they’re not aggressive, and they’re not out to get you,’ he says. ‘In fact, most snakes are harmless, and they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.’
For those interested in learning more about snakes and the unique experience of a Snake Safari in Hong Kong, the tours are available for $550 HKD ($70 US) per person. With Sargent’s expertise and passion for herpetology, participants can expect a unique and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Hong Kong’s wilderness.
As the sun sets over the city, Sargent’s Snake Safari offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of snakes and the importance of conservation and education. By shedding light on the myths and misconceptions surrounding snakes, Sargent hopes to inspire a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.
For those who venture into the unknown, the rewards are well worth the risk. As Sargent says, ‘The world is full of wonders, and snakes are just one of them.’
