Snake tales: Durban’s most common snake – the Spotted Bush Snake

NOW that we’re heading into the warmer months of the year, the snakes have obviously become a lot more active.

There is one snake which has become very active, and one which at some point passes through just about everyone’s garden, the Spotted Bush Snake. This is by far the most common snake in the entire greater Durban area!

Whenever I get called to remove a Green Mamba – unless it’s by the coast- I know straight away that it’s a Bush Snake. These pretty snakes are unfortunately often killed for this very reason, of being labelled as a mamba. It’s sad, because even the Green Mamba should never be killed.

How will I know that it’s a Spotted Bush Snake and not a Green Mamba or a Boomslang?

The Green Mamba does not naturally occur in the Highway area. They stick to the coastal forests. The Green Mamba is a plain, emerald green colour, and gets much thicker and longer than the Bush Snake. Juveniles are even more rarely seen.

The Boomslang too, gets thicker and longer than the Bush Snake. When Boomslang hatch out of the egg, they’re a light brown colour, with big, bright green eyes. They start turning green, if they are males, at close to a meter in length. When matured, male Boomslang are bright green, with relatively broad, black bands going down the entire length of the body.

Both the Green Mamba and male Boomslang tend to have green bellies. They are both highly venomous.

What does the Spotted Bush Snake look like?

It is a thin green snake and the adults usually measure at just under 1m long. They have black spots or speckles going half-way down the body, and the tail end is a light, olive green colour. Their belly is usually pale yellow or white. Their eyes have an orange circle around the pupil.

It has two very similar-looking cousins, the Natal Green and Green Water snakes. Those two look similar to the Bush Snake, but usually have few markings, or none at all.

Ah yes, I always see them around my house or garden:

It is the most common snake around. They’re often spotted basking on walls, or hunting in shrubs or trees. They are also frequently spotted in roof rafters, post boxes, on burglar guards, security gates, curtain rails, and sometimes on shelves or cupboards. So yes, they do sometimes venture into your cosy home. They’re excellent climbers, and are extremely fast-moving snakes.

What do they eat?

Lizards, but they especially love the gecko. During the day, they actively hunt down geckos which are sleeping. Once they grab them, a struggle takes place, and the snake tends to end up eating the gecko alive. It’s quite an event to watch. They may also eat reed and tree frogs.

Is the Spotted Bush Snake dangerous?

No, not at all. They’re completely harmless to you and your pets. In saying that, don’t pick one up, because it will probably bite you. It doesn’t necessarily hurt, but it’s not such a pleasant feeling. But never pick up any snake, whether it looks harmless or not.

What should I do if I see one?

If you see the Spotted Bush Snake, leave it alone. It will go away by itself, and won’t bother you. It’s quite a nice snake to have around. They’re harmless, and keep your gecko numbers in check. If it’s inside your house, then perhaps call a snake-catcher for advice on what to do, or to remove it. Generally, they find their way out of an open window or door. If it’s in the rafters or roof, it’s best to just leave them. They’re there eating your geckos, and the chances of a snake-catcher being able to catch one in the roof are very slim.

Remember, they’re a lot more afraid of you than you are of them. So just admire their beauty from a distance, and leave them alone. Please do not kill them. They really are strikingly beautiful animals.

CONTACT Nick Evans (KZN Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) for snake removals on 072 809 5806, or for snake awareness/educational work, e-mailnickevanskzn@gmail.com or visit www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.com.