Snake season has arrived
The city is cautioning especially pet owners to be on high alert and to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Contrary to belief, most snake species in Southern Africa do not hibernate as they keep active all year around, even though it can be cold at night during the winter with the majority of the days being warm.
Cold temperatures mean that it takes longer for snakes to warm up and get energy, and so they become more sluggish. For snakes which feed on frogs (like heralds and night adders) there is little, if any food around for them to hunt in winter. The same applies to snakes which feed on lizards. For them there is little reason to move around. On a sunny winter’s day, snakes will start moving around a bit and bask in the sun.
With spring knocking on the door, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has warned residents to be on the lookout for snakes, especially the venomous ones such as the rinkhals.
“With the spring season and warm weather, snakes will now become more active. They will be hungry and in search of food,” CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe said.
The city is cautioning especially pet owners to be on high alert and to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes. Snake season is from mid-August until late May and a number of snakes that are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Aurora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snakes, are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rats and cats.
“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 permit,” Gadebe explained.
Also read: Free First Aid for Snakebite App
Snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are considered 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:
Always give the snake the right of way and never try to grab it. Scream and shout if you have to, but never make any sudden moves. Keep a distance of about five metres from the snake, as some can spit poison. Watch where the snake ends up in order to assist and locate the reptile, once an expert snake handler has been contacted. Do not try to kill the snake as this may lead to the danger of snake bites.
* What to do if bitten by a snake or spat on the eyes or an open wound:
Try not to panic and call for help if you can. In the circumstances, it would be best not to drive a vehicle, but seek medical attention as soon as possible.
* Who to call if you come across a snake in your area:
Nigel – Phone Braemer Willard on 076 614 7771 or Pine Pienaar on 083 755 8901;
Heidelberg – Phone George Booker on 082 465 6754 or Giel Smit on 016 341 2323 or Dewald du Preez on 079 703 3304.
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