The incoming water brought not only mud and debris but also hundreds of venomous snakes. Local reptile farms were submerged, and their inhabitants — striped kraits, bamboo vipers, and cobras — set off on a journey straight to residential homes. One bite has already been fatal. The incident is reported by Discovermagazine.com. **Snakes on the Loose** China is the world leader in the industrial breeding of venomous snakes. Farms began to be established in the 1990s to provide the population with delicacy meat as well as traditional Chinese medicine. This is a very profitable business. The village of Jisiciao is famous for its snake farms: there, the annual trade in reptiles brings in $12 million. Meanwhile, around three million individuals live on the production site — that’s almost three thousand times more than the number of people in the village itself. In the vicinity of Hangzhou, reptiles are also bred: cobras and striped snakes. These species were not chosen by chance. They grow quickly, are prolific, consume feed efficiently, and do not require vast territories. But now these industrial species are creating significant problems for rescuers. The typhoon washed away the barriers, and animals seeking dry ground headed into human homes. Authorities have taken urgent measures: hospitals have increased their stock of antivenoms, and reinforced rescue patrols have been sent to the flooded neighborhoods. Residents are advised to seal gaps in doors and walls and under no circumstances attempt to catch a snake themselves. Rescuers continue their rounds, and authorities are asking to report any encounters with reptiles.