WATCH: Snakes of the 031 – the Herald Snake
According to Nick Evans, the Herald Snake is often confused for a Black Mamba due to its colouration.
CAXTON Local Media has partnered with snake rescuer Nick Evans for a series called ‘Snakes of the 031’.
In this series, Nick will be introducing the most common snakes of Durban.
In the third part of our series, Nick speaks about the Herald Snake.
“This snake is also known as Red Lipped Herald Snake but they don’t always have a red lip, some have very pale top red lip so we often refer to them as a Herald Snake. They are often confused for Black Mambas because of their colouration. They vary in colour from grey to darker shades of black.
“When threatened they can get quite defensive; they hiss and strike to scare people but it is more of a display and nothing to worry about. They are mildly venomous but it poses no threat to humans. Herald Snakes are nocturnal and they are identifiable by the white speckles along their body. Their head is also darker than the rest of their body. Their favourite meals are frogs,” Evans said.
Evans urged residents that should they see any snake, they should contact a professional rather than approaching the snake themselves.
“The best thing to do is monitor the snake and call in a professional,” he said.
Contact him on 072 809 5806.
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