A woman stunned customs officials at a border crossing when she was caught trying to smuggle six live snakes that she stuffed inside her pockets.

The unnamed passenger was reportedly caught by customs agents at Huanggang Port, a port of entry on the border between mainland China and Hong Kong, located in Guangdong, in south-eastern China.

She first attracted their attention by appearing nervous and hurried while her luggage was being inspected.

Officials also noticed her trousers' pockets seemed overstuffed and bulging. They then stopped her for a body search, and soon discovered three black socks inside her pockets.

Upon opening them, it was discovered that each sock contained two live snakes, totaling six, and all were later confirmed to be ball pythons.

The ball python (Python regius) is a non-venomous snake native to West and Central Africa. Renowned for its gentle temperament and manageable size, it is a popular choice among snake enthusiasts and pet owners.

Ball pythons derive their name from their tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or threatened, protecting their heads with their coils.

Their distinctive colour variations and patterns make them highly sought after in the reptile pet trade.

The Customs Department did not specify what legal consequences the woman will be faced with. Some one million people in China own exotic pets, according to a 2017 report.

According to Chinese law, animals that are transported in and out of the country first must be quarantined and inspected by authorities in order to prevent invasive alien species and protect ecological security.