Snake capture and handling
Training course on snake capture and handling can save your life
MBOMBELA – Every person living in the Lowveld should know how to handle snakes.
According to the chairman of the Lowveld Herpetological Association (LHA) at Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Chris Hobkirk, this region is perfect for snakes, and knowledge about them could be the difference between life and death.
Most serious snakebites come from Mozambique spitting cobras. The second highest number of bites is from puff adders and the third is from black mambas. “Out of 1 000 snakebites a year, at least 984 are not life-threatening. Positive envenomation only takes place in five per cent of all bites, and then medical intervention is needed,” Hobkirk says.
The snake which causes the most problems in this area is the puff adder. Hobkirk says when people come across it, it looks sleepy and lazy, but he adds, “It is the fastest-striking snake in the world.”
On February 14, the LHA will offer a training course at the Lowveld Venom Suppliers offices, in reptile capture and handling, and also how to identify different species of snake. “People attending this course normally start at 08:00 scared out of their socks, but at 16:00 they are able to capture and handle a black mamba!”
He says there are only eight places available for the training session. The successful completion of this course will result in a snake-handlers certificate and attendees will be able to join the circle of volunteers who could be called by residents to remove snakes from their premises.
The Lowveld Venom Suppliers often milk snakes after a capture, before they are released into the wild. They then send the venom to the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) to create anti-venom. Vaccines are necessary as first line of treatment, after a serious snakebite.
Enquiries or bookings: Chris Hobkirk on 082-372-3350.
