Snake season: Local herpetologist shares tips on how to treat snakebites

SPRING is snake season and as the temperature rises, snakes leave their underground shelters in search of food.

According to known author and herpetologist, Johan Marais, once the first summer rains fall, snakes become very active, and sighting are common.

Spring is also mating time for most snakes, with females emitting pheromones to attract males.

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“Baby snakes hatch (or are born) around mid to late summer and the young all move off in different directions in search of food and suitable habitat.

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He said should a snake be spotted in your garden or in a building, immediately retreat at least 5m and remove cats and dogs as distinguishing between harmless and dangerous snakes is not always easy.

Four snakes that are commonly found in gardens:

The Brown House Snake – is found throughout South Africa and is common in suburban gardens, hence its name. It is a harmless nocturnal snake that feeds largely on rodents and shelters under rocks, logs, and old building material. It is easily identified by a light line that runs from the nose through the eye to the back of the head while the overall body colour is dark to medium brown.  

The Herald or Red-lipped Snake – is a common inhabitant of suburban gardens, especially those with irrigation systems or water features as it feeds largely on toads, emerging at night. It is mildly venomous and poses no threat to humans or pets like cats and dogs. It averages around 30 – 60 cm in length and the head is darker than the rest of the body which is light to dark grey or olive green. Some individuals have bright red or yellow lips and when cornered, it puts up quite an impressive display, coiling back, flattening its head and striking repeatedly.

The Spotted Bush Snake – feeds on small frogs and geckos and is an excellent climber, often seen hunting geckos in thatched roofs or between the walls and roofs of outbuildings. It is harmless and active during the day. It averages 50 – 70 cm in length and is often mistaken for the Boomslang or Green Mamba, but this snake is bright green in colour with dark spots on the front half of the body.

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The Stiletto Snake – previously known as a Burrowing Adder, is a fossorial snake that comes to the surface on warm summer nights, especially after rain. It is a smallish snake, averaging 40 – 60 cm, usually a plain dark brown or blackish colour with a similar-coloured belly or a white belly. Individuals often end up in swimming pools. This little snake has large fangs that protrude out of the side of the mouth, even when closed, and many people get bitten when handling one. It cannot be handled safely, even if gripped behind the head. Like the Night Adder its venom is cytotoxic, causing severe pain, some swelling and in severe cases tissue damage. Many victims lose a digit or two and there is no antivenom for the bite of this snake.  

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First Aid for snakebites:

– If your dog or cat is bitten by a snake, transport it to a vet urgently. Forget about milk, charcoal or Allergex tablets.

– if it is a serious bite your pet will need antivenom.

– The most important first aid for a human in the event of a snakebite is to get the person to the nearest hospital as quickly and as safely as possible.

Do not: ·

-Apply an arterial torniquet.

-Cut and try to suck the venom out.

-Apply ice or heat.

-Do not inject cortisone, antihistamine or antivenom

Venom in the eyes:

Should anyone get spat in the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with water (under a tap or gently with a hosepipe) and get the person to a doctor for further treatment. It is easily treated provided that one gets to a doctor, or in the case of your pet a vet.

Further information and free posters of dangerous snakes in provinces, nature reserves, cities and major towns can be downloaded from the website www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com    

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