The spring season is approaching and the temperature will soon warm up, this indicates that after a lengthy period of hibernation, snakes will become active and move out in quest of food.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) warns pet owners to be on high alert and keep a check on their domestic pets as snakes may prey on them.
Snake season runs from mid-August to late May and a variety of snakes, including the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake, and red-lipped snake, are likely to be found in backyard gardens looking for prey, such as rodents and cats.
ALSO READ: Bedfordview SPAR supports RAG
According to Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, the snakes are easily killed or captured as pets due to their mild and less defensive nature, which is prohibited and penalised if done without a valid license.
“Snakes like the puff adder and rinkhals, on the other hand, are exceedingly deadly, with the puff adder being instinctive, slow to move, and fast to detect danger,” Dlamini said.
“The rinkhals, also known as the ring-necked cobra, is a fast-moving multi-feeder that excels at imitating death. The two white stripes visible across its neck when it spreads its hood make it easy to spot.”
In case of encountering a snake, residents can call the city’s snake catchers Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549 and Sonny Katisa on 073 988 8131 in Thembisa, Kempton Park, Boksburg, Vosloorus, Edenvale, Bedfordview, Germiston, Alberton and Thokoza.
Snakes in the grass
Don’t fret, flail or flee, most of our snakes are harmless with two or three exceptions and because of them, it is important to keep calm.
Make sure that everyone moves away from the snake and don’t attempt to kill or capture it.
Try to identify the snake – get a good description or take a picture with your cell phone if it is safe.
Should someone have been bitten keep them calm while waiting for help?
Stress and fear increase blood flow, spreading the venom more rapidly.
Call for help immediately or take the victim to the closest emergency room or hospital.
Always keep the bitten limb below the heart – it slows blood flow and the spread of venom.
Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, especially alcohol.
Alcohol will speed up the absorption of venom.
Snake bites are very painful but do not give any pain medication unless a doctor tells you so.
The bitten limb may swell, so remove all constricting clothing, jewellery or shoes.
Never cut into the bite site. Snake experts warn that doing this may cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
Never try to suck out the venom.
Suction by mouth can be dangerous as venom may enter the mouth via a wound.
Never apply a pressure bandage if you don’t know what snake it is and what the effect of the venom is.
Some snake bites cause extreme swelling and applying a pressure bandage can do more harm than good.
Also follow us on:
