Snake-catching duo encounter intriguing world of snake mating

SIMON Keys and Siouxsie Gillett, the Snakes in the City stars of the internationally-acclaimed National Geographic Wild series, arrived in Durban a month earlier to film their next season.

This means they are here for snake mating season and, along with that, the intriguing rituals and fighting associated with it.

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Gillett, a qualified herpetologist, said they would usually begin filing in October or November, when the weather has warmed up and the snakes are more active, which is post-mating season.

“Now, because we are here earlier, we are coming across some rather amazing sights. This is a time of the year that you are likely to see more than one snake together, as they are usually solitary creatures. Often people see two or more snakes together and think it may be snakes mating, but it is more than likely two males fighting for dominance,” said Gillett.

Keys described the world of snake mating and reproduction as a ‘fascinating’ one.

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He explained that female snakes produce a strong scent to attract males and leave a scent trail so males can find her.

“During the mating season, the scent could attract a whole mass of snakes who have followed her scent, who all end up fighting for her. Quite a scary sight for an untrained eye,” said Keys.

What intrigued Keys is that the male snake spent the winter in hibernation without eating and is hungry, but would rather mate at this point than find food.  

“Now’s the time to watch out for the fighting and mating, and soon for the babies to be out and about. We are happy to come help out to remove them and place them in a safe, natural environment,” he added.

The duo is available to capture and relocate snakes, free of charge, while filming the series. All filming is done using strict SA government CovId-19 guidelines and regulations.

The caller, with permission and, depending on the conditions of the call-out, may end up on the TV series. The Snakes in the City hotline for snake removals is 063 234 6932.

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