The weather is becoming warmer as the days churn on, and with warm weather comes our slippery friends. They delight in dark damp places and often prey on frogs, rodents and lizards.
Snakes can be venomous and are predators by nature.
Keep a lookout for these common snakes during this summer:
Puff Adder
Identified by its distinct triangular-shaped head and ferocious appearance, Puff Adders are highly venomous and camouflage very well in bushes and grass. They mainly feast on rodents, lizards and frogs. Puff adders are known for their loud hissing and vicious striking.
Night Adder
Recognised by the well-defined V-shaped marking on the back of the head and squarish markings along its body, depicting grey with black chevrons or dark brown over light brown is a sign of a night adder.
“As its name suggests, this snake is almost strictly nocturnal.” said Mr CJ Hood, of the Dragon Rock Reptile Centre in Winterton.
“It is likely to be encountered in damp environments.They feed mostly on frogs.”
Rinkhals
Rinkhals are cobra-type snakes that are not considered a true cobra. Even though it does spread its hood like a cobra, its spray is also highly venomous. Determined by its dull black or brown body, and white and black bands on its throat, rinkhals also have the ability to play dead. True cobras are egg laying, while the rinkhals give birth to live young. They can grow up to 1.5m and often shelter in burrows. They prey on rodents and frogs.
Mole Snake
Noticeably thick-bodied with a dusty straw-like colour.
“This snake is non-venomous but adults can deliver a painful bite,” commented Mr Hood.
It spends much time in mammal burrows and eats mostly rodents.
Common House Snake
Mostly monotone in red and brown colours, these snakes are also non-venomous but like the mole snake, an adult bite can be severe. They are often found near buildings where its prey of rodents and lizards are plentiful.
Medical Attention
The adder species has a mild cytotoxic venom (a toxic effect on cells) which although non-lethal can cause tissue damage. It is advised to seek medical attention and the situation should still be monitored.
The Rinkhals has potentially deadly neuro-toxic venom that will not be as deadly as the cobra, but could still kill a man. This snake is still dangerous, however, because its venom can cause blindness when directed into the eyes.
Should you have a persistent rodent or amphibian infestation, it is advisable to contact pest control and get a handle over the situation.
In the event of an encounter with any type of snake, residents are advised to contact the Protection Services on 034 312 5888.
