The City of Ekurhuleni cautions residents to be on high alert, and also to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Residents are warned to look out for hissing snakes, likely to be found around their living spaces from now until next year May.
A number of snakes which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Aurora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake, are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food – like rats, frogs and even cats.
Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.
Meanwhile, snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
The rinkhals, or ring-necked spitting cobra, is a fast-moving multi-feeder which is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
Things to do when you come across a snake:
• Give the snake right of way.
• You can scream and shout, but don’t jump or move.
• Keep a distance of about five metres from the snake as some snakes can spit poison.
• Watch where the snake ends up so as to assist to locate the reptile once you’ve contacted an expert.
• Do not try to kill the snake, this may lead to the danger of snake bites.
• Call for help.
What to do if bitten by a snake, spat in the eyes or on an open wound:
• Do not panic.
• Do not run or try to drive yourself.
• Do not take it for granted.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
The city’s snake man, Christopher Mthombeni, is reachable on 011 999 3029 or 083 239 7774 or Christopher. Mthombeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za
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