#World Snake Day: snake catcher aims to dispel misconceptions about serpents
Mthombeni advises people to stay calm, keep their distance and call a professional snake catcher when they encounter a snake.
July 16 is World Snake Day.
The day is observed annually to raise awareness of the wide variety of species around the world.
The Benoni City Times caught up with Christopher Mthombeni (44), a snake catcher who worked for the Ekurhuleni municipality.
Mthombeni said he has been wrangling these fascinating creatures for the past 22 years.
The 44-year-old’s passion for snakes began while he was still a teenager while exploring the outdoors with the Scouts and Girls Guide Association.
“I fell in love with nature. After finishing school I pursued a nature conservation course,” he said.
Mthombeni said some of the snakes that are commonly found in Ekurhuleni include rinkhals, puff adder, skaapsteker and herald snake.
The snake catcher said to be able to differentiate between venomous and non-venomous snakes people must consider diving into books, watching shows, or even visiting zoos.
“Understanding these species is crucial, especially due to urban developments and illegal dumping spaces that create new habitats for them.
“Snakes are usually more scared of humans than we are of them, however, don’t underestimate them because they can defend themselves if provoked.
“One of the misconceptions about snakes is the idea that the only good snake is a dead snake. Snakes play a vital role in our ecosystem by controlling pests.”
Mthombeni advises people to stay calm, keep their distance and call a professional snake catcher when they encounter a snake.
“Never try to handle or kill it,” he warns.
Mthombeni’s message for World Snake Day is to “respect, observe, and appreciate these remarkable creatures.”
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