Snake season is upon us

We are well into spring and the weather is nice and warm.

This also means that snakes will now be up and about, after a long period of hibernation, hungry and in search of food.

The City of Ekurhuleni has cautioned pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.

Snake season is from mid-August to late May and 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 like rats.

Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.

Meanwhile, snakes such the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.

The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi-feeder which is good at faking death.

It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.

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 five meters from the snake as some snakes can spit venom.
• 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 the danger of snake bites.
• Call for help.

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

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

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

You may also contact a local snake expert.

Also read: Snakebite on pets can be fatal

Snake jumps up and surprises biker

All you need to know about snake bites

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