Arnold warns residents of dangerous stiletto snake
Intense pain, swelling and necrosis are symptoms of the snake's bite.
DURBAN North snake man has warned residents to be aware of the Bibron’s Stiletto Snake. A number of Durban residents have fallen victim to snake bites from the highly dangerous reptile.
“So many people have fallen victim to this little snake, sometimes by complete accident, but mostly through stupidity or by thinking that they know more about snakes than they actually do.
“The Stiletto snake is a small species of snake which averages around 30 to 40cm in length, seldomly 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.
Arnold added the reptiles are active mainly in the evenings, especially after heavy rains.
“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.
“They don’t even need to open their mouths in order to do this, as they have long fangs that lie parallel to the jawline in a backward facing position. A bite from a Stiletto snake results in a lot of pain, swelling and much regret,” he said.
Contact Arnold on 082 745 6375.
Last year a Sunningdale resident was bitten by a stiletto snake.
