POLOKWANE – Snakes are generally inactive during winter, however, on warmer days they tend to leave their hiding spots to seek some warmth and lie in the sun.
As soon as temperatures increase, snakes will be on the move and often end up around houses and in gardens in search of their prey, such as rodents, lizards and geckos, frogs and birds. According to the African Snake Bite Institute, Limpopo has 78 different types of snakes of which nine can inflict rather painful bites and six are considered potentially deadly.
Snakebites can sometimes be life-threatening and most require swift and appropriate treatment. Being able to identify the snake as well as what venom each spits or injects can save a life.
The institute looks at some of the most dangerous snakes in the province:
The black mamba
- Adult black mambas reach an average of 2.5m and a maximum of 4.5m in length.
- These snakes are grey to olive in colour with lighter scales round their head.
- They take their name from the black colouring inside their mouths.
- Black mambas are thin and extremely agile.
Neurotoxic venom affects the tissue and muscle cells. The respiratory muscles are gradually paralysed which leads to respiratory failure. Symptoms of a bite can include drowsiness, vomiting, increased sweating, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty in swallowing, speaking, breathing and weakness of other muscle groups.
The snouted cobra
- Typically yellowish to olive brown but can be brown or dark brown.
- The belly of the snouted cobra usually yellowish.
- Normally has a darker band of colour round the neck.
- Average length of adults between 1.5-2m but can reach lengths of 3m.
- Body is cylindrical and stout with a long tail.
Cytotoxic venom affects the tissue and muscle cells. Symptoms may include immediate burning pain at the site of the bite followed by local swelling that could continue for several days. In severe cases the entire limb may swell. Local tissue necrosis is quite common and may result in the loss of a limb.
Read more about the snouted cobras.
The Mozambique spitting cobra
- Shiny, light to dark brown snake with black between the scales.
- The belly is salmon pink to yellow with a distinct dark band as well as dark blotching on the throat region.
- Medium to large cobra that can exceed 1.7m in length.
- Quick to spit its venom and can do so without forming a hood and may even spit from a concealed rock crack or crevice.
Cytotoxic venom affects the tissue and muscle cells. Symptoms may include immediate burning pain at the site of the bite followed by local swelling that could continue for several days. In severe cases the entire limb may swell. Local tissue necrosis is quite common and may result in the loss of a limb.
Boomslang
- Average length is 1.2m but can exceed 1.8m.
- Has a short, blunt nose and large prominent eyes with a pear-shaped pupil.
- Boomslang have keeled scales.
- Females usually retain a brown colour.
- Males colouring is highly variable ranging from black to bright green.
- Belly is light green.
Haemotoxic venom affects the clotting mechanism of the blood. According to the institute there is usually little or no swelling and very little pain initially. The bite is followed by oozing of blood from the bite site after a few hours, a headache, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting and increased sweating. After several hours there may be bleeding from small cuts, the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, purple patches under the skin, and eventually severe internal bleeding which results in vomiting of blood and haemorrhage from the bowels. Kidney failure and brain haemorrhage may occur after a few days.
Twig snake
- Green head (top) and a white upper lip.
- Mix of speckled grey and brown in colour.
- Prominent key hole shaped eye and elongated heads.
- Bellies are dirty speckled white to grey.
- Haemotoxic venom.
Puff adder
- The average size of a puff adder is approximately 1m in length, and fairly thick in width.
- Head is blunt and rounded and much wider than the neck and body; almost triangular in shape.
- Colours of puff adders vary according to geography, but their head usually has two dark bands; one on the crown and one between the eyes.
- Colours range from dull yellow to light brown and even orange or reddish brown. Male puff adders can have striking yellow and gold colour patterns.
- Chevron markings are present all the way down their back and getting lighter towards the tail.
- Iris’ range from gold to silver grey.
- The stomach of puff adders are yellow or white with some darker spots.
Cytotoxic venom affects the tissue and muscle cells. Symptoms may include immediate burning pain at the site of the bite followed by local swelling that could continue for several days. In severe cases the entire limb may swell. Local tissue necrosis is quite common and may result in the loss of a limb.
The institute says snakes are not aggressive by nature and will often only attack and bite in self-defence or if threatened or provoked. It is however helpful to know what to do if they do happen to bite or spit.
First aid measures for snake bites:
- Try to identify the snake; colour, size, shape of head and attacking method.
- Immobilise the victim (movement speeds up the spread of venom in the lymphatic system).
- Elevate the affected limb slightly above heart level.
- Remove any restrictive items or tight clothing in the vicinity of the bite and
- transport to the closest hospital.
Sources: africansnakebiteinstitute, Rentokil
