Tim Baynham of Wildlife Safety Solutions in Hoedspruit says although he has a general background in wildlife management, snakes have always been his special interest and focus. “I had my first keeping permit when I was ten years old, and it became inevitable that I pursued a career working with these animals. Over the years I have maintained my own collections of snakes and worked at numerous public reptile facilities,” Baynham says.
In 2008 he worked as a wildlife consultant on a large construction project in the oil and gas industry in northern Angola. What was initially meant to be a three-month contract turned into almost nine years. “I was tasked with the capture and relocation of snakes and other wildlife from various company production facilities, accommodation areas, and construction sites. “I also provided wildlife safety awareness and snakebite first aid training to all company employees and contractors.
” This experience and knowledge gained led to him starting Wildlife Safety Solutions. Their services include the safe relocation of snakes away from homes and businesses for both the safety of the community and the snakes. “During peak activity periods we receive up to five or six calls a day.” He recalls many hair-raising experiences. “One day I may be five meters up a ladder catching a black mamba in a thatched roof and the next day I will be removing a spitting cobra from someone’s oven.
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“On one memorable day, I captured and relocated four black mambas, one being almost three meters long. Two of the mambas were in storerooms and two were removed from thatched roofs,” he says. “Currently, we offer snake awareness, identification, and snakebite first aid training as well as an introductory snake-handling course and an advanced snake-handling course.” They also offer consulting services to various industries where snakes and other wildlife may pose a risk to employees.
“By conducting wildlife risk assessments, we are able to advise our clients on developing management plans and implementing best work practices to limit or mitigate the risks.” He has worked on a number of large film productions in the area conducting ‘snake sweeps’ of the set and other work areas and then being on hand to relocate any snakes that may move into the area. Contact Tim at 073 934 6156 or visit the website, www. wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za. Baynham has also started a YouTube channel to showcase how to handle snakes.
