Zhejiang Fisherman Bitten by Severed King Cobra Head

In May 2026, 72‑year‑old fisherman Zhang was fishing on a remote riverbank in Zhejiang province, China, when he encountered a venomous king cobra. Using a shovel he struck the snake and severed its head, believing the animal was dead.

Five minutes later, while attempting to pick up the detached head, the cobra’s head lunged and bit Zhang’s left hand. The bite caused rapid swelling, blackening of the skin, necrosis and systemic symptoms such as chest tightness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. He was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to a larger facility in Zhejiang for treatment.

Medical staff noted that even after decapitation the cobra’s head retained enough muscular control to deliver a venomous bite, underscoring the danger of handling venomous snakes.