AS winter approaches, Durban North snake man, Jason Arnold, has warned of an increase in activity of species. In the last week he has rescued more than 12 snakes, six of them being venomous. He recently rescued a black mamba which had killed four dogs from Reservoir Hills, it died later of the injuries sustained in the mauling.
He has also rescued four Mozambique spitting cobras from Prestondale and Izinga Ridge, and a green mamba in uMhlanga.
“The most active snakes right now are spotted bush snakes, Mozambique spitting cobras in particular are out in full forces, as are herald snakes. Fossorial species are also active, like Peter’s worm snakes (extremely common and harmless), and the venomous (not deadly) stiletto snake and Natal black snake. The activity is mainly because snakes are getting as much sun and food as possible before winter. I’m not sure what triggers the fossorial species to come out, but they are always out this time of year,” he explained.
“Snake activity patterns change dramatically over the course of a year. Throughout the cool months, snakes are relatively inactive but they try and eat as much as they can before winter. Mambas (green and black) however, breed in winter and I get quite a lot of call-outs for them around now and in June and July for the mating season,” he said.
Arnold urged residents to call a snake handler or professional should they spot a snake. He said it was important that people immediately keep their children and pets away from the snakes.
“In the case in Reservoir Hills, all four dogs, despite mauling the snake, were bitten by the mamba and had died within minutes. Like cobras and coral snakes, the venom of a black mamba contains neurotoxins which shut down the nervous system and paralyses victims,” he said.
Contact Jason Arnold on 082 745 6375.
