A KING cobra was found by police officers during their patrol near Universiade Park in Longgang District around 5 p.m. Oct. 1, National Day, also Mid-Autumn Festival.

The snake, weighing 2 kilograms and 3 meters long, was trying to escape to the main road from a net near the park when found by the police.

As more people would come to the area to admire the full moon, the police immediately notified staff members with the park management center.

A member of staff with the park, a retired soldier also experienced in catching snakes, came and took control of the king cobra.

The king cobra was sent to Shenzhen Animal Association.

It is a highly venomous and dangerous snake and is regarded as one of the most dangerous species of snake in the world.

The same day, a python was discovered in the grasses near the entrance of Shenzhen Mangrove Coastal Ecological Park.

The python was identified as a Burmese python, a national-level protected animal.

It was noticed by patrol security officers from Shatou Subdistrict, Futian District. They then contacted the Wildlife Animal Rescue Center of the Shenzhen Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau and scattered the gathering crowd.

Staff with the center arrived at the site at around 2 p.m. and took the python to the center.

The Burmese python is 3 meters long and weighs 10 kilograms. According to the center, it may have traveled from islands near Hong Kong and will be released in the Yanzao Reservoir Nature Reserve if no diseases are found.

The Burmese python is one of the giant species of snake in the world.

It is reported that patrol security will enhance their forces to ensure safety. Citizens are reminded not to enter outdoor bushes.

When encountering snakes, citizens are advised to leave the area immediately and contact professionals to handle them.

If bitten by a snake, citizens should also leave the area and immediately go to the hospital for treatment. (Wang Jingli)