Pet Snake Bite Costs Man His Thumb

A Beijing man lost his thumb after being bitten by his pet long-nosed viper while hand-feeding it, state media CCTV reported. The owner, surnamed Huang, had kept the snake due to a lifelong interest in reptiles. The species is feared in Chinese folklore, where it is called the "five-step snake" for the belief its bite is fatal within five steps. Huang began hand-feeding the animal when it fell ill. During one feeding, the viper bit his thumb. Doctors were unable to save the severely damaged thumb and performed an amputation. They warned the public never to handle venomous snakes.