Sanet Kenchenten of Biggar Street had a rather slippery visitor to her home yesterday. A rinkhals snake.
While the snake reared up, Sanet – a police lady – had the presence of mind to photograph the reptile.
The snake was later taken away by Piet ‘Slang’ van der Merwe – Glencoe’s own snakeman. However, Sanet fears there may be more to come…
THE RINKHALS
The Rinkhals is a smallish snake rarely exceeding 1.2 metres. If threatened, it will rear up and spread a hood. If this does not scare an attacker off it will spit venom, quite accurately. Should the venom enter the eyes it will burn fiercely – and complications may arise if not treated rapidly.
The Rinkhals seldom bites – and those usually only occur when it is handled as it tends to sham death. Rinkhals are nocturnal, but may occasionally be seen basking during the day. (9) Symptoms of bites are local swelling / bruising, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, violent abdominal pain and a mild fever. Difficulty breathing may be seen. THIS SNAKE IS NOT CONSIDERED A MAJOR THREAT DUE TO ITS WEAKER VENOM (6) (5)
Most snakebites occur in large breed primarily outdoor dogs with the majority of bites located on the legs or head, especially the muzzle. Most bites occur during the spring and summer seasons. It is estimated that 90% of bites occur between April and mid October. Bites from these snakes are generally the result of aggressive or curious actions while playing in snake-infested areas. (reference:https://yourownvet.com/snake-bites/)
