Residents should be vigilant of snakes during the hot season

A resident of Hennie Swanepoel Street in Dassierand warns community members to be extra careful in this hot weather after their gardener discovered a venomous snake nearby.

According to the resident, who asked not to be named, their gardener was clearing the yard on Saturday, 11 March, when he spotted a night adder near the gate. Upon trying to capture the reptile, it es-caped and hid in a dark hole in the wall.

“I reached out to Collen Lengwasa, a snake remover around the area, who assisted with capturing it into safety,” the resident explained. According to Collen, the snake is the causus rhombeatus, commonly known as the rhombic night adder.

It is usually more active during the day, averages 30 to 60 cm in length but can reach one metre. It can be identified by the distinct dark V-marking on the head and is commonly found in suburban gardens.

It prefers damp localities and is a frog specialist. The night adder is generally a docile snake but will hiss aggressively and strike when provoked. Night adder venom is cytotoxic, and most bites will result in pain and swelling.

In a previous interview with the Herald, Collen had warned residents to be extra cautious in the summertime. “Snakes are commonly seen in summer and hide in places you would not expect to keep warm,” he said.

“They are attracted to dark and neglected areas like an engine, tyres or piles of rubbish. Most snakes feed on lizards, rodents, frogs and toads and are attracted to gardens where these creatures live,” he added. The expert advises people to keep children and pets away if they see a snake.

“If the snake is in the house and you are comfortable with the idea, throw a duvet over it and contact a snake remover near you. The snake usually stays curled up under the duvet until uncovered,” he said.

What to do if you see a snake:

• Don’t panic; snakes can sense fear
• Don’t try and kill it
• Try and stay as far away from it as you can. This will reduce your chances of being bitten
• Don’t touch it if it looks dead. Many snakes pretend to be dead when they are scared
• If you are bitten, keep calm and go to a hospital as soon as possible.
• If possible, also take a photograph of the snake.

In partnership with the North-West University, the municipality is hosting an information and awareness session today, 18 March 2023. The session will take place at the Promosa Community Hall (Promosa Street) and is scheduled to start at 10:00.

The purpose of this session is to share information and raise awareness of the importance of snakes in the environment. For more information on the awareness session, contact Glenville Fransman at 084 719 5970 or Prof. Che Weldon at 018 299 2375.