Overview
- Chinese e-commerce sites saw a surge in searches and rising prices for blue Indonesian pit vipers following the film’s release.
- Some online listings promoted delivery despite rules that prohibit mailing live animals and dangerous items.
- JD.com said it forbids sales of venomous animals and removes identified posts immediately.
- Owning the species is generally legal in China, but state media and regulators warn of severe venom risks and stress that shipping live animals is illegal.
- A 21-year-old buyer in Jiangxi told CNN he purchased a pit viper days after seeing the movie and credited the character with influencing his decision.