Ladysmith KZN: Snake season in full swing, so beware
Don’t try to see if you can ID the snake, as this can lead to a bite
Local snake expert Fanie Cilliers says the snake season is in full swing now.
As the temperature heats up, he has been getting big cobras in homes and also vehicles.
Speaking to Fanie, he says it is of utmost importance “not to interfere” if you encounter a snake.
Trying to chase a snake away will only activate its self-defence behaviour, making the snake more aggressive and increasing the likelihood of a bite or a ‘spit’. If the snake does move off, it often goes into deeper cover, making the location process more difficult.
Upon seeing a snake, whether in the house or the yard, please remember to stay calm. The snake is not going to chase you down and eat you; it is merely taking care of your rodent problems.
Immediately contact your local snake removal team. You need to keep an eye on the whereabouts of the snake so that the snake removal expert knows where it is when he arrives; time is of the essence. Then ensure there are no pets or children around, as many pets have been bitten.
Pets normally trigger the snake’s self-defence mode, making it aggressive. Should the snake decide to ‘bolt’ for safety and you’re in the way, then a bite or ‘spit in the eyes’ is inevitable. “Don’t even try to see if you can identify the snake, as this can also lead to a bite.
“Simply keep an eye on it from a safe distance, while we are en-route to you,” advises Fanie.
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