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Facts 27/11/2025 09:42

Snakebite Panic Leads Farmer to Sever Finger, Doctors Confirm No Danger

Man in China Amputates Finger After Snake Bite, Only to Discover It Was Harmless

In a shocking incident in China, a 60-year-old farmer reportedly cut off his own finger after being bitten by a snake, fearing it was venomous. The man, named Zhang, was working in the Shangyu district of Zhejiang province when the bite occurred. According to ScienceAlert, Zhang believed the snake to be the so-called “five-step snake,” a creature rooted in local legend that is rumored to be so deadly a person could die within just five steps of being bitten. Alarmed and desperate to prevent the supposed spread of venom, Zhang took the drastic measure of amputating his own finger.

Upon arriving at a nearby hospital, medical staff examined Zhang’s injury and identified the snake as non-venomous. As reported by Fox News, doctors reassured him that the extreme action he had taken was unnecessary and that the bite did not pose a serious threat to his life.

This case underscores the powerful impact that fear and misinformation about wildlife can have, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs and myths about animals remain strong. Experts note that folklore surrounding dangerous animals often leads to irrational and sometimes harmful responses to encounters with wildlife. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite envenoming is a major global health concern, particularly in rural communities, and misinformation or improper first-aid measures can worsen injuries (WHO, 2019). Similarly, the International Society of Toxinology highlights that cultural beliefs often shape people’s responses to snakebites, sometimes resulting in unnecessary medical complications (Chippaux, 2017).

Medical professionals strongly advise that in the event of any snakebite, individuals should remain calm, immobilize the affected limb, and seek immediate professional medical care. Modern guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explicitly warn against cutting or amputating bitten areas, as such actions can lead to severe tissue damage, infection, and permanent disability, without stopping venom from spreading (CDC, 2021).

Zhang’s case has sparked discussion about the importance of public education on snake identification, first-aid procedures, and debunking myths surrounding venomous animals. It serves as a vivid reminder that while fear can provoke extreme reactions, calm and informed decision-making is essential to avoid unnecessary harm.

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