AS it warms up, snakes will be a common sight. Spring is also a mating season for most of them. Highway snake catcher Nick Evans shares insights on four of the six most common snakes found around Durban (excluding the Black Mamba and the Mozambique Spitter).
Spotted Bush Snake
This snake terrifies Durban residents every spring and summer. The Spotted Bush Snake, aka, ‘The Garden Snake’, is by far the most common snake species in Durban. They are everywhere. Even in the city. They have learnt to survive in built-up areas. Their favourite place to hide is in roofs, but they’ll also hide in cracks in walls, postboxes, etc. Please don’t call a snake remover if you see one go into your roof. We will not be able to catch it. It will not harm anyone. It will eat a gecko or two and move on.
Common/Rhombic Night Adder
They are often mistaken for Puff Adders due to a vaguely similar appearance and the fact that they also hiss when threatened. However, Puff Adders are not found around Durban really; they have, however, started occurring in the Upper Highway area, becoming more common the farther west one goes. Night Adders are brown/grey and have a small head with a V marking, and as most callers describe, dark ‘diamond markings on the body’.
It has a cytotoxic venom which causes swelling and pain, and you should seek medical attention if bitten. However, no fatalities have been recorded, and antivenom is not required. Most large dogs that are bitten survive just fine after a vet visit. Small dogs, too, although Evans said he has noted some small dogs can get into a really bad way, and there have been a few deaths recorded.
“So always take dogs to the vet if bitten. Despite the name, this snake is active during the day when it hunts resting toads.”
Herald Snake
Herald Snakes, also known as Red or White-lipped Heralds often have people thinking they are mambas. This is due to their colouration and the defensive display they put on when threatened. They flatten their heads, coil back and strike repeatedly. Mambas don’t do this; they generally flee.
Heralds, unlike mambas, have white speckles on their body, and their head is darker than the rest of the body. These snakes have a mild venom of no concern to humans or pets. They’re mostly nocturnal, hunting mostly toads.
Brown House Snake
These non-venomous snakes are common around homes where they seek shelter and rodents – the youngsters love lizards. Adults will also take birds. These snakes are constrictors. In Durban, if you see a snake wrapped around a rat or bird, it will almost certainly be this species. They are easily identifiable by the cream-coloured stripes on their body. “ It’s a useful snake to have around,” said Evans.
For snake removals and advise, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806 or email nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
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