Heavy rains increase ground-dwelling snake activity

CROCWORLD Conservation Centre has warned residents to watch out for the emergence of certain ground-dwelling snake species following the recent heavy rains.

Martin Rodrigues, manager of the Crocworld Conservation Centre, explained that there are several snake species that live just below the ground, which are known to emerge after heavy rains.

“These fossorial species are forced to leave their subterranean homes when the ground becomes saturated, as the oxygen levels diminish. Most of these snakes are harmless to humans, however, there are a few exceptions to watch out for. This includes the Southern Stiletto Snake, also known as the Bibrons Burrowing Asp or Side Stabbing Adder. Although their bite is not deadly, they have a potent cytotoxic venom so the bite is very painful and causes moderate to severe swelling in most cases, and may lead to the loss of a limb or digit as the venom breaks down the tissue cells surrounding the bite,” said Rodrigues.

As this is a nocturnal species, the snake is most likely to be encountered in the evening when the species has heightened activity, particularly from the onset of dusk until two to three hours later.

Rodrigues described the snake as relatively small, averaging 30 to 40 centimetres in length although it has been known to get as long as 70 centimetres. It can be identified by its purple-brown to black colouring with a creamy white, dark brown or black underbelly. It has a unique appearance with a characteristically small head and small, inconspicuous looking eyes. The tail ends abruptly and has a sharp asp which is a modified scale at the tip of the tail.

“The Southern Stiletto Snake is common throughout most of KwaZulu-Natal and is responsible for numerous bites on humans every year. The reason this snake is responsible for so many bites is possibly because they are mistaken for a harmless species. This is because of their small size and inconspicuous appearance,” he said.

Rodrigues said that in addition to the innocuous form, the Southern Stiletto Snake cannot be held safely behind the head because its fangs are positioned horizontally, facing towards the back of the upper jaw. Because of this positioning, when someone attempts to hold the snake behind the head, it simply twists its head sideways, piercing a finger with its fang.

“The fang position means that the Stiletto Snake has a very specific behaviour, not striking or biting in the conventional manner, but rather sideways, in a defensive posture arching its neck. This snake will only leave one puncture wound per bite and not two as one would usually expect from a venomous snake,” he said.

Snakes in the warmer parts of KwaZulu-Natal are active throughout the entire year, however, in the cooler regions, activity may decrease during the winter period with activity increasing substantially towards the onset of summer.

Rodrigues urged residents who encounter any snake matching the Stiletto Snake’s appearance and behaviour not to attempt to touch or kill it as this is when bites are most likely to occur. Instead, he suggested, keep a watchful eye on the snake from a safe distance of three metres or more and call for assistance.

Details for snake removal experts can also be obtained from Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103.