Expert gives advice as snake season is upon us
“This is also the time of the year that snakes are found in suburban gardens and while most common garden snakes are harmless and of no concern to humans, venomous snakes do also venture into gardens occasionally.”
Spring is snake season and as the temperature rises, snakes leave their underground shelters in search of food. According to Johan Marais from African Snakebite Institute, this is a slow process and they become more active as the temperature increases. They say once the first summer rains fall, they become very active, and sightings are common. “Spring is also mating time for most snakes, with females emitting pheromones to attract males. While snakes do not move in pairs, females may attract more than one male during the mating season and seeing three or four snakes together can happen,” said Marais. He said there is no such thing as a ‘snake nest’ and most snakes lay their eggs around mid-summer and move off, abandoning them. Baby snakes are said to hatch (or be born) around mid to late summer and the young all move off in different directions in search of food and suitable habitat. “This is also the time of the year that snakes are found in suburban gardens and while most common garden snakes are harmless and of no concern to humans, venomous snakes do also venture into gardens occasionally,” he said. Marais said distinguishing between harmless and dangerous snakes is not always easy and should a snake be spotted in your garden or in a building, immediately retreat at least five metres and remove cats and dogs. “Never try to kill snakes, as this puts you far too close to them, and don’t try to catch a snake unless you have training in how to do so safely. Observe the snake from a safe distance and call a snake remover. The free African Snakebite Institute App ASI Snakes (https://bit. ly/snakebiteapp) has details of over 700 snake removers countrywide and will show those closest to you with a cell number,” he said. Marais said snakes commonly encountered in gardens may include the brown house snake found throughout South Africa and is common in suburban gardens, it is a harmless nocturnal snake that feeds largely on rodents and shelters under rocks, logs, and old building material. It is easily identified by a light line that runs from the nose through the eye to the back of the head while the overall body colour is dark to medium brown. The herald or red-lipped snake is a common inhabitant of suburban gardens, especially those with irrigation systems or water features as it feeds largely on toads, emerging at night. It is mildly venomous and poses no threat to humans or pets like cats and dogs. It averages around 30-60 cm in length and the head is darker than the rest of the body which is light to dark grey or olive green. Some individuals have bright red or yellow lips and when cornered, it puts up quite an impressive display, coiling back, flattening its head and striking repeatedly. The common egg-eater feeds exclusively on eggs and is attracted by bird nests and aviaries. It is completely harmless and hunts at night. The spotted bush snake feeds on small frogs and geckos and is an excellent climber, often seen hunting geckos in thatched roofs or between the walls and roofs of outbuildings. It is harmless and active during the day. He said there are a number of grass and sand snakes, all active during the day, quick-moving and mildly venomous and pose no threat to humans. He also mentioned some venomous snakes that are often found in suburban gardens including the stiletto snake, puff adder, snouted cobra, the Mozambique spitting cobra and the black mamba. He provided first aid guidelines for snakebites. “If your dog or cat is bitten by a snake, get it to a vet urgently. Forget about milk, charcoal or Allergex tablets – if it is a serious bite your pet will need antivenom. The most important first aid for a human in the event of a snakebite is to get the person to the nearest hospital as quickly and as safely as possible. Bear in mind that it is a lack of oxygen that will kill a person in the short term and the two most dangerous snakes are the Cape Cobra and Black Mamba.” He advised against applying an arterial tourniquet, cutting and trying to suck the venom out, applying ice or heat, injecting cortisone, antihistamine or antivenom. Get the victim to the nearest hospital. Should you require more information about first aid for snakebites, like the use of pressure pads, pressure bandages and respiratory support, please go to the first aid section of the free ASI App ASI Snakes. He said should anyone get spat in the eyes, they must rinse the eyes immediately with water (under a tap or gently with a hosepipe) and get the person to a doctor for further =treatment. It is easily treated provided that one gets to a doctor, or in the case of your pet a vet. For more information visit www. africansnakebiteinstitute. com.
