Yet another massive Mozambique Spitting Cobra removed from a house in Ladysmith
These snakes breed up to 4 times a year, whereas other species only breed once a season
A potentially deadly Mozambique Spitting Cobra was removed from a house in Chevril Road after a close encounter with the homeowner.
Local snake expert Fanie Cilliers says it started with the dogs going “absolutely ballistic”. Upon investigation, the homeowner spotted a snake taking shelter behind the outside basin. She quickly reacted by moving the dogs away from the area, and then contacted Fanie.
Upon arrival, Fanie noticed a person in distress, which turned out to be the homeowner. She pointed out where the snake was and he safely removed it.
Fanie explained to the homeowner that the saga could have had a very different, nasty outcome if the dogs had gotten hold of the snake. The cobra could have spat venom into the dogs’ eyes, or the snake could have been killed by the dogs.
Fanie says the huge female cobra was looking for a spot to deposit her eggs, which would then hatch 59 days later. This snake would have laid between 30 and 50 eggs; this is the reason Mozambique Spitting Cobras are so plentiful in the area.
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To give you some history on the Mozambique Spitting Cobra, they were introduced to KZN in 1952 to help the sugarcane farmers with a toad problem. However, the situation got out of control, as the number of Mozambique Spitting Cobras simply quadrupled every year. This saw them expanding their territory, as they do not have predators to control their numbers…
These snakes breed up to four times a year, whereas other species only breed once a season (if it is a wet season, they can breed up to two times a year).
Mozambique Spitting Cobras have a bad reputation, as they are temperamental and will spit and bite to defend themselves before fleeing.
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