Still on the subject of snakes, China has come up with a novel earthquake prediction system which relies on the behaviour of snakes. The earthquake bureau in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi autonomous region in southern China, has developed its early warning system using a combination of snake natural instinct and modern technology. Experts at the bureau monitor snakes at local snake farms via 24 hr video cameras linked to a broadband Internet connection. “When an earthquake is about to occur, snakes will move out of their nests, even in the cold of winter,” said bureau director Jiang Weisong. They are said to be able to sense an earthquake from 120 km (70 miles) away, three to five days before it happens. “If the earthquake is a big one, the snakes will even smash into walls while trying to escape.” Beats being eaten.