THERE has been an increase in snake activity in the last few weeks. That’s according to Sunningdale’s snake catcher, Jason Arnold.
Arnold said he has been getting more calls for snakes seeking shelter in people’s homes and garages due to the humidity and heat levels.
He recently rescued a Southern African python from Mount Edgecombe and a boomslang from Durban North. He has also rescued a number of black mambas, including one in eMdloti.
“The activity of most snake species has picked up as temperatures have risen. When it becomes too hot for some species of snakes they tend to look for cool places and find their way into people’s homes and garages. Luckily the python was rescued before it got into anyone’s home. The call was radioed in by a Marshall Security officer who helped me locate the snake. Southern African pythons are normally active at night, but they do bask in the day. I plan to release him far away from any developments in the area,” he said.
Arnold added that in recent weeks, black mamba activity had also increased.
“I’ve captured a few in the last few weeks. I rescue a lot between December and February and I’ve rescued nine black mambas in the last three weeks. I’ve also had an increase in call outs for stiletto snakes, worm and thread snakes. I’ve been getting a number of calls about them because people are worried they may be baby snakes.”
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