City of Ekurhuleni alerts residents of snakes
Ekurhuleni urges its residents to be alert of snakes in their community that may be actively seeking out food.
The City of Ekurhuleni warns pet owners to be extremely cautious and keep an eye on their domestic animals since they can become prey to snakes.
The transition to spring and warmer weather is just around the corner.
According to Zweli Dlamini, this signifies that after a temporary period of hibernation brought on by the cold climate, snakes will again be active and actively seeking out food.
“The period between mid-August and late May is known as the snake season and a number of snakes, which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rats and cats,” said Zweli.
These species are frequently slaughtered or kidnapped as pets, which is prohibited and illegal if one does not have a legal permit, due to their harmlessness and lack of defence.
The public is warned to be aware of several hazardous and venomous snakes, nevertheless, such as puff adders and rinkhals, which are known for being instinctive, slow-moving, and fast to perceive danger.
The rinkhals, also known as the ring-necked cobra, is a swift multi-feeder that excels in simulating demise. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
Residents can phone the city’s snake catchers indicated below if they come across a snake:
Alberton, Germiston, Thokoza, Tembisa, Kempton Park, Boksburg, Vooslorus, Edenvale and Bedfordview can call Makhosonke Mabhena on 063 418 4364 or Sonny Katisa on 073 988 8131.
Daveyton, Etwatwa, Benoni, Tsakani, Duduza, KwaThema, Springs, Actonville/Wattville and Brakpan can call Mapaseka Maleka on 079 180 9231 or Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 or Mbali Masango 081 043 5354.
