Be careful as snake activity increases
Evans said snakes are usually out for food, shelter and a mate during breeding season and this is why they come into properties as well as the fact that a lot of their habitat is being destroyed.
SNAKES have been a common sight in urban areas of late, and more specifically, Mozambique Spitting Cobra activity levels have been very high. According to KZN amphibian and reptile conservationist, Nick Evans, numerous specimens have been caught in recent weeks in Queensburgh and surrounding areas.
“Two weeks ago, I was called out to Shallcross for a grayish brown snake which was hiding behind a chest freezer. When I arrived, I bent down to have a look, and zapp, I had a dose of venom in my right eye. I tried to turn my head before it hit me, but it was too quick. It got me properly in my right eye. The pain kicked in quickly,” said Evans. He said that venom in the eyes felt a bit like beach sand, soap and vinegar and described it as very unpleasant. “I quickly went to rinse the venom out. After a few minutes, I was ready to catch the snake, this time with a protective, clear shield covering my face. I extracted the snake and took it away to be released,” he added.
He was called out to Shallcross again on Friday, 22 April by the SAPS to remove another Mozambique Spitting Cobra from a car. The snake was in the engine compartment, but soon disappeared into a pipe leading to the aircon. “It had spat at the car owner when he tried to take a photo, but fortunately, the venom only hit his phone and hand. I had to take the whole dashboard out, and finally found the snake hiding behind the cubbyhole or glove compartment. I managed to untangle it after safely securing the head, and finally had it in a bucket, ready for release,” explained Evans.
“I have had numerous calls from the Malvern area from dog owners, to ask for urgent advice or assistance, after their pets had been spat at by cobras. Snakes do not look for conflict with humans or dogs, but if a dog attacks the cobra, it will spray venom into its eyes so that it can safely escape and avoid injury. By the time I arrive to capture the cobra, it is usually long gone.”
Fellow snake-catcher, Chris Lourens, also recently removed two Mozambique Spitting Cobras from gardens in Escombe. According to Evans, the snake, often called by its Zulu name ‘Mfezi’, is responsible for the most snakebites in South Africa each year. “This is because they are so common and they are drawn to properties by food – toads and rats. They do not want conflict with humans or dogs, but if they feel threatened they will not hesitate in defending themselves, just like a human would. They are active during the day, and in the evenings,” he said. To identify it from a safe distance, look for a plain brown snake with yellow and black markings underneath the neck region.
Evans said snakes are usually out for food, shelter and a mate during breeding season and this is why they come into properties as well as the fact that a lot of their habitat is being destroyed. “Winter is approaching, so food is becoming scarce for snakes. Because of this, they are very active now, fattening up for winter. But snakes in the greater Durban area do not hibernate, it does not get cold enough for them to have the need to do so. Frog and lizard-eating snakes are less active, but will still seek shelter around houses while Black Mambas come together to mate in winter, so they will be very active in the next few months, said Evans. “Snakes are a key link in the food chain, as predators and as prey, so conserving them is important. The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is the only spitting snake in the area. They can spray venom up to 3m, so try and stay clear of them,” he advised.
If you or your dog get venom in the eyes:
– rinse the venom out ASAP
– go to the nearest tap, outside taps are usually best, as you can hang your head below the tap and rinse the venom out.
– hosepipes also work well in rinsing the venom out, if you turn it on a very low pressure.
– rinse for about 15 minutes.
– water is best, milk is a bit of an old-wives tale.
– get eye drops from the doctor, clinic or vets for dogs to help ease the pain.
– venom cannot cause harm on the skin, unless it gets into an open cut. In this case, urgent medical attention is advised.
Should a snake be encountered in the garden or your house:
– do not approach the snake.
– do not try to capture or kill the snake.
– move away from it slowly.
– call a snake-catcher.
– keep an eye on the snake, from a safe distance at 5 m or more.
For snake removals, contact KZN Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Nick Evans on 072 809 5806, Chris Lourens on 084 364 5150 and Anton Laas of the SAPS on 079 490 8321. For snake educational work, e-mail Nick at nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
