The warm weather means that snakes will now be up and about after a long period of hibernation, hungry and in search of food.
From mid-August until late May it is snake season, and the metro cautions pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
A number of snakes which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Arora 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 as 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 5m from the snake as some snakes can spit poison.
- Watch where the snake ends up, to assist in locating the reptile once you’ve contacted an expert.
- Do not try to kill the snake, trying to kill it may lead to the danger of snake bites.
- Call for help.
What to do if bitten by a snake or a snake spits in your eyes or in an open wound:
- Do not panic.
- Do not run or try to drive yourself.
- Do not take it for granted.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Should residents come across snakes in their residential areas, they can contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999-3029 or 083 239 7774, or e-mail to chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.
You can also contact a local snake expert.
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