Warning against snakes

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has cautioned people against snakes.

“From mid-August until late May is snake season, and Ekurhuleni wishes to caution pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes,” said EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

Gadebe said 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.

Meanwhile, snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the heavily-built puff adder known to be very defensive (particularly if stepped on, as they don’t race away for safety like most other snakes do), slow to move but quick to sense danger and strike.

The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi-feeder, which is good at faking death when it’s scared by people – who are a bigger threat to snakes, than the other way around!

It is easily identified by a dark body with two white stripes that are visible across its neck, when it spreads its hood. Generally a Highveld snake, the rinkhals is one of two spitting cobras in South Africa; the other species – Mozambique spitting cobras – inhabits bushveld terrain from Pretoria Northwards.

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 5m 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. Trying to kill the snake may lead to a snake bite
• Call for help.

What to do if bitten by a snake or spat on in the eyes or an open wound:

• Do not panic
• Do not run or try to drive
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Should residents come across snakes in their residential areas, they may contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999 3029 or 083 239 7774 or email chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.

You can also contact a local snake expert.