WARNING: High temperatures increase slithery activity
Snake handler, Nick Evans, said there has not been an increase in snake numbers, although it may seem that way.
Handling boomslangs, spitting cobras and green mambsa is all in a day’s work for snake handler, Nick Evans, who has been inundated with calls to fetch snakes slithering around Highway area this week.
He said the high temperatures and humidity are definitely factors which have caused this spike in squirming activity, leaving people panicked and nervous.
“There is not an increase in snake numbers. Although it may seem that way, snake numbers are not increasing.”
“Many snakes are killed weekly by frightened people, cars, electric fences and pets. Habitat destruction is another problem affecting them, like with all wildlife. Natural areas are constantly being developed, causing the snakes to come into our suburban areas. They have little choice,” said Evans.
The week started with a frantic call from a township in Mariannhill on Sunday afternoon where Evans had to remove a large female Boomslang from underneath a bed.
A delicate task and not one for the faint-hearted.
He quickly removed the frightened snake, which he suspects someone had tried to kill.
He then took off with impressive speed to the Bluff to assist his friend and fellow snake-catcher, Warren Dick, to catch a Green Mamba in a tree. An even more challenging job.
“Catching a large, venomous snake in a tree is no easy task. I managed, but only just. Mambas are my favourite snakes to work with, and I love getting called for them. Whether it’s difficult or not, I enjoy the experience,” said Evans.
In the following days, right up until Thursday night, Evans was kept busy mainly by two species: the Spotted Bush Snake and the Mozambique Spitting Cobra.
He said the Spotted Bush Snake is Durban’s most commons snake species. It’s a thin green snake, with black spots, and occurs everywhere in Durban.
“They are completely harmless, and are just looking for geckos.”
Evans and his fiancee’ (Joelle), received more calls to remove a few bush snakes from homes this week. “Because they are green, they cause people to panic, but they’re really nothing to worry about. Green Mambas, a venomous snake in KZN is often confused with the harmless Bush Snake, however the Green Mamba is found mainly in coastal forests and are seldom seen,” he added.
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra, a highly venomous species, is common in the greater Durban area, and there has been a spike in their activity.
“Since Sunday, I had five calls for them. The first was in the early hours of Monday morning (at 2am), in Westville North. A man was just going to bed, and noticed the snake on his bedside table- not the place that you want to see any snake, but especially this one. The snake got just as much of a fright as he did, and moved down onto the floor. I removed it from behind a shoe rack. That was my earliest call ever.
“Later that day, I removed one from underneath a sink in Reservoir Hills, and the following day I removed one from underneath a fridge in Dawncliffe.
“‘n Thursday night we were called out to Crestholme for yet another Spitting Cobra, my 11th call for this species this year.
“This was a large one, around 1.2m in length. It had taken refuge underneath a dog kennel. The dog unfortunately approached the snake, forcing it to defend itself.
“Mozambique Spitting Cobras have the best defence mechanism of any snake. They are able to spray their venom up to 2m. This poor dog learnt all about it. Should a dose of venom enter the eyes, it causes pain and a burning sensation. It needs to be rinsed out with water (not milk) immediately,” said Evans.
Evans quickly removed the beautiful 1.2m specimen, which had just eaten a few toads.
Besides all the cobras and Bush Snakes, Evans and Joelle removed a stunning, large Puff Adder from a garden in Alverstone.
“These snakes are not common throughout the Highway Area, and are only really found in the upper parts of the area. It was one of the prettiest specimens I have ever seen. Joelle also removed a Vine Snake (highly venomous) from a school in Westville North,” added Evans.
He cautioned residents that snakes don’t want conflict with people. They do not seek people out.
“They come to our properties to look for food, and for shelter. Snakes are on Earth for a reason, they play an important role in our environment by acting as predators and prey,” said Evans.
Tips to handle snakes
Should you see a snake, the first and best thing to do is to keep a safe distance from it. If you try to kill or capture it, you are putting yourself at high risk of being bitten.
Never approach a snake, just move away slowly. Leave it alone, and it will leave you alone. Call your local snake-catcher for advice, or to remove it. It is advisable that you keep an eye on the snake, because if it disappears, it’s unlikely to be found again.
“Snakes are amazing and beautiful creatures. If you have a phobia or hatred for them, you probably won’t see this. But if you take a little bit of time to learn about them and understand them, you’ll eventually have some sort of appreciation for them. You don’t need to fear them, just respect them,” concluded Evans.
For snake rescues and removals around the greater Durban area, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806. For educational work, you can email him at nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
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