Slithering hissing creatures out to play
Ekurhuleni’s senior environmentalist, Christopher Mthombeni, shares tips on what to do when you encounter a snake.
We are about to enter into the spring season and the weather is nice and warm. This means that snakes will now be out and about, hungry and in search of food after a long period of hibernation.
Snake catcher and Ekurhuleni’s senior environmentalist Christopher Mthombeni advises residents to be on the lookout and on high alert for snakes in their homes.
“Remember, we are sharing the space with these beautiful, misunderstood creatures that play a major role in controlling the rodent population,” said Mthombeni.
There are a number of snakes harmless and harmful to humans.
Snakes such as the brown house snake, aurora house snake, and olive house snake, are all harmless to humans and are commonly found around human dwellings, however, the herald snake (red-lipped) and the skaapsteker are mildly venomous.
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Rinkhals, or ring-necked cobra, is the most common dangerous snake and it carries both cytotoxic and neurotoxic venom and can be found in the East Rand and all around Gauteng.
Mthombeni says this shy, fast-moving multi-feeder is good at faking death and is capable of spitting venom up to 3.5m when threatened.
“It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood; rough, dull, dirty black, grey, or brown scales are the key points,” he said.
Snakes are likely to be found in backyards, gardens, inside houses and garages, searching for food like rats, mice, frogs, and even other reptiles.
It is very important to note that snakes do not have the ability to dig their own burrows; they depend on rodents and other burrowing animals to dig them up for them.
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They feed and take over their burrows for housing.
Mthombeni adds that compost heaps, rubble, scrap material, piles of bricks, and wood make a perfect home for snakes and rodents.
“People must avoid having such things in their yards. Snakes, like any other animal, do drink water and can be attracted by pools of stagnant water.”
Things to do when you come across a snake:
• Give the snake the right of way.
• Call for help.
• You can scream and shout but don’t jump or move if you’re too close to the snake.
• Keep a distance of about 5m from the snake, as some snakes can spit venom. Watch where the snake ends up to assist in locating the reptile once you’ve contacted your snake catcher.
• Do not try to kill the snake. Trying to kill the snake may lead to the danger of a snake bite or being spat in the eyes and open wounds.
What to do if bitten by a snake, spat in the eyes, or have an open wound:
• Call for help.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Do not panic; take a deep breath in and out.
• Do not run or try to drive yourself.
• Do not tourniquet or cut the site of the bite.
Should residents come across snakes in their residential areas, they can contact Mthombeni on 083 239 7774.
