Sunningdale snake catcher warns of reptiles on the move
Jason Arnold said he has been getting more calls for snakes due to the humidity and heat levels.
SNAKES are on the move, and their activity has peaked in recent weeks.
That’s according to Sunningdale’s snake catcher Jason Arnold who 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 added, the mating season has also meant the increase of sightings of both venomous and non-venomous snakes.
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“There has been an increase in Mozambican spitting cobras as their mating season has started. While highly venomous, spitting cobras are super alert and nervous, which is a good thing. If they see someone walking towards them, they will move away. My advice to the public is not to agitate any species of snake or attempt to handle it without contacting a professional. I recently caught one in Izinga Ridge that had made its way into a home,” he said.
“Since mid-September, however, it has gradually gotten busier as various snake species have gotten more active. I’ve rescued quite a few species of snakes in the north Durban area, including spotted bush snakes, brown house snakes, herald snakes and Eastern Natal green snakes. People quite often panic when they see a green or dark brown snake, and those calls have been more frequent in recent weeks,” he said.
Arnold said that the best way not to get bitten by a snake is to not interfere with it.
“Snakes only become scared and defensive when they are put in a position where they feel their life is being threatened.”
For any snake-related activity, contact Arnold on 082 745 6375.
