WATCH: Arnold warns residents of dangerous stiletto snake
These snakes are quite edgy and will usually not hesitate to put a fang into you if you pick them up says local snake expert.
A NORTH Durban man was bitten by a venomous stiletto snake earlier this week after accidentally picking up the reptile. The stiletto snake, also known as the Burrowing Asp is the snake rumoured to have killed Cleopatra, who ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent. According to Durban North snake man, Jason Arnold, the man was rushed through to Umhlanga Hospital. He has since been released but the local resident has warned the snakes are on the move.
Arnold has already rescued two stilettos this week in Glenhills and in Hillary.
“His sister called me to say he had been bitten by a stiletto snake which he initially thought was a black mamba. He was in a bit of pain and was rushed through to Umhlanga Hospital. Fortunately he escaped serious injury. If you are bitten by this snake, remember, under no circumstances should any anti-venom be used in this case, as there is no antivenom effective for the bite of this particular species. The treatment should be purely supportive and symptomatic,” he said.
The man was lucky to escape serious injury. Arnold added a bite from this snake is extremely painful but typically not fatal. At times necrosis is possible as well as loss of limb. Other side effects from a bite include severe swelling of the affected area, disorientation, and even nausea.
“The Stiletto snake is a small species of snake which averages around 30 to 40cm in length, seldom exceeding 50cm. It’s a species of snake that is fairly widespread and no matter where in Durban you may be living, you could find this snake in your home or garden. Due to this snakes’ small size and general inoffensive look, many people are fooled into picking it up and handling it. These snakes are quite edgy and will usually not hesitate to put a fang into you if you pick them up.”
Contact Arnold on 082 745 6375.
