Beware, snakes are coming out to prey!
Have you recently encountered a snake? The weather is getting warmer as the spring season sets in and snakes will soon be coming out from their hibernation period.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has cautioned pet owners in particular to be on high alert and keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
“Residents should not panic when they spot a snake in their living spaces. However, they should always keep the snake within sight at a distance of about five metres away and never try to kill or handle the snake. A snake should be given right of way rather than having their way being blocked, and a view of where it ends up should not be lost, while help is sought,” CoE spokesperson Nhlanhla Cebekhulu warned.
The CoE region is prone to snakes due to the availability of the Blesbokspruit river system, Bullfrog Pan and all other Highveld grassland and many open spaces with good eco-systems that provide both food and shelter for snakes.
Local residents should be conscious of the puff adder and rinkhals, as they are extremely dangerous with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
Rinkhals (also knowns as the ring-necked cobra) is a fast moving multi-feeder that 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.
Not all snakes are poisonous, however, should a snake bite occur, it is highly recommended to receive immediate medical attention.
Residents are also cautioned to avoid snakes in their spaces by keeping their properties clean and lawn and veld grass short. Overgrown areas provide a habitat for rodents, which is the primary food for snakes.
CoE has advised residents to use their municipal wheelie bins to dispose of refuse to further avoid creating a suitable habitat for rodents, which will ultimately attract snakes.
“After providing your pets with food for the day, it is advisable not to have extra food on site to attract rodents,” Cebekhulu said.
In case of encountering a snake in the Nigel area, residents can call Braumar Willard on 071 235 6339 or Pine Pienaar on 083 755 8901.
In case of encountering a snake in Heidelberg, phone George Booker (snr) on 082 465 6754 or George Booker (jnr) on 066 114 5505.
