Close call with a Mozambique Spitting Cobra in Residency Road, Ladysmith
According to Mr Paulik, this is not the first time a snake has been seen in this area
Bee and snake catcher Zam Paulik responded to a complaint of a snake in Residency Road on Saturday afternoon.
On arrival, he was greeted by the occupants of the house, who were terrified after spotting a potentially deadly visitor to their yard. Fabian Pillay and his sister Annelene were sitting outside playing with their five-year-old nephew Josh and one-year-old niece / daughter Saydee when they noticed something slithering in front of him.
Annelene was the first to notice the wriggling reptile, that also noticed them and quickly changed direction towards a nearby rock wall and went into a hole.
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The brother and sister immediately rushed to pick up the children, after which they phoned Mr Paulik for assistance. He wasted no time in responding. Mr Paulik did his best to get the snake out, but the elusive creature disappeared and was nowhere to be seen.
According to Mr Paulik, this is not the first time a snake has been seen in this area, as he receives many snake complaints in the vicinity. “We are so thankful to the Lord that we were outside with the children and that we saw the snake just in time. I can’t imagine what might have happened if we didn’t,” said Annelene.
According to the description of the snake, it is believed to be a Mozambique Spitting Cobra, which is highly venomous. The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is a very common snake in Africa, with potent venom.
The species accounts for many snake bites and for that reason, it is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa.
They are found mostly in lowland forest and moist savannas, where they prefer rocky country, hollow logs, termite mounds and animal holes.
They are often found close to water sources.
They are most active at night, but may bask near a retreat or forage on overcast days. Juvenile specimens are more active during the day.
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