The City of Ekurhuleni cautions pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
From mid-August until late May, 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.
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.
The city’s snake catchers are available to assist residents if they encounter a snake.
Residents of Brakpan, Tsakani, Springs, KwaThema and Duduza may call Mapaseka Maleka on 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 or Mbali Masango on 081 043 5354.
