Snake expert condemns snake killings in Villa Liza

In reaction to last week’s story ‘Snakes have Villa Liza residents spitting mad over service delivery‘, snake expert Anthony Rochford has spoken out strongly against the killing of snakes.

Rochford has 40 years’ local knowledge and experience in capturing and rescuing snakes.

According to him, the risk from snakes is absolutely minimal as the only potentially deadly species locally is the rinkhals and not a single death has been documented in South Africa from this species.

“Should people encounter a snake in their house, identification is key – note that only the rinkhals is potentially dangerous and can spit venom into the eyes.

“The best action would be to contact an expert to remove the snake.

“With harmless species, sweep the snake into a cardboard box and remove to a safe area, like an open veld, and release. Snakes do not typically return to the areas where they are found,”

Rochford said the best method for residents to discourage snakes in the area is to eliminate the food source, which is rats and mice.

“Do not leave rubble or rubbish around as snakes will seek shelter and keep grass mown.”

He added that there are no products on the market to deter snakes.

Rochford provided more information on the types of snakes you are likely to encounter in the East Rand.

• Brown house snake

This medium-sized snake can reach a maximum of about five foot (about 1.5m). Gauteng species are usually light brown in colour with very distinct white stripes on the side of the head.

This is a common species throughout South Africa and possibly the most likely to be encountered countrywide.

This species is a constrictor and mice and small rats make up much of its diet. Like all constrictors, it holds its prey in a series of body coils until eventually the prey suffocates or loses consciousness as the snake tightens its grip every time its prey exhales (contrary to popular belief, constrictors do not crush their prey).

As small rodents form the greater part of this snake’s diet, it can often be found around stables where it performs a very useful function in controlling rodent population. A single adult specimen can easily consume a complete nest of rats or mice, including any newborn. Although it is completely non-venomous it bites readily and as in any animal bite infection is a real risk and bites should be cleaned with antiseptic.

• Aurora house snake

Similar in habits and size to the brown house snake, this species is more secretive and not as commonly encountered. It is easily identifiable by its light green colour and distinctive yellow stripe running all the way down its spine. It is a harmless species and not inclined to bite.

• Brown water snake

This snake reaches about four foot (about 1.2m) in length and is olive brown with a pinkish underside and prefers a damp habitat (dams and wetlands). It preys almost exclusively on frogs and tadpoles and is inoffensive and harmless and seldom attempts to bite even when first encountered.

• Spotted skaapsteker

This is a fast-moving medium-sized snake about four foot (about 1.2m) in length and is predominately brown with indistinct diamond patterns, stripes and spots throughout its length. It has small fangs set back in the mouth and although it is mildly venomous, a bite to a human would not result in any significant symptoms beyond possible local irritation. Lizards and frogs are its main food source and it is common near vlei areas and open grasslands. Its name, skaapsteker (sheep stabber), is misleading as this snake has neither the venom nor the physical means to cause damage to an animal the size of a sheep.

Rinkhals

Probably the snake most likely to be encountered locally and growing to over five foot (more than 1.5m). This species has two or three white stripes across its neck which makes it easy to identify. The body is usually a dull grey-black in species on the Highveld. The snake, although not a true cobra, displays the typical behaviour of spreading a hood and also spits from the upright hood spread position.

Venom in the eyes causes immediate irritation and should be washed out immediately to prevent infection and reduce the risk of further damage. Although the potency of this snake’s venom should not be underestimated and is potentially life-threatening, bites to humans are extremely rare and it does not feature in snake fatality statistics.

They do, however, often bite dogs with fatal consequences. An interesting adaptation of this snake is its inclination to play dead (lying on its back with its mouth open and tongue hanging out) to avoid confrontation.

• Red-lipped or herald snake

This small three-foot (about 1m) long mildly venomous species have fangs situated in the rear of the mouth, is olive brown and usually has red lips, which makes it easy to identify.

The head is also usually much darker than the rest of the body.

If disturbed it puts on a show of aggression striking out repeatedly and will bite if given the opportunity. The venom is weak with no effect on humans and is used for immobilising frogs and toads, which form the majority of its prey.

Interesting facts about snakes

• Snakes do not hunt in pairs. They are solitary animals except during periods of breeding.
• Snakes’ tongues are not venomous and are used for “tasting” the air around them.
• Snakes are not slimy, their skin is usually dry.
• Apart from the rinkhals and spitting cobras, no other snakes can spit their venom.
• No snakes are “poisonous” but some snakes may be “venomous”.
• Less than five per cent of bites from potentially deadly species result in death.
• Loss of habitat is the main threat to snakes as urban development escalates and areas suitable for snake habitation become smaller. With the loss of suitable environment comes an increase in prey species and in particular an increase in rats and mice who may harbour disease.
• Snakes themselves are also an important source of food for small predators.

“Sadly, many snakes are killed on sight due to ignorance of their habits and behaviour. But it is actually something to be cherished to observe these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.”