Snakes, the misunderstood creatures of our backyard
JOBURG – How to react to the dreaded appearance of a snake in your home.
Venomous creatures are among the most feared animals on earth. Snakes are part of this disliked group. Jonathan Leeming is passionate about these misunderstood creatures and claims their bad reputation is not based on fact and is rather based on movies and old wive’s tales. Leeming is a conservationist, professional speaker, author of nine books and has over 20 years experience working with venomous animals.
According to Leeming, snake venom is purely designed to incapacitate a snake’s prey, only a few snakes use venom as a defensive tactic. However, if you threaten a snake, expect it to defend itself. Leeming explained that the golden rule is to leave the snake alone if you do not have the proper handling equipment, as most people are bitten when they try to handle or kill the snake.
“The existence of venomous animals in the world is as necessary and as beneficial as the clean running water that we drink, and the fresh air that we breathe. It’s how we live and work side-by-side with these animals that determines the outcome of this co-dependence. Only with education, can we see through our beliefs and values, and replace the fear of the unknown with an admiration for a miracle of nature,” said Leeming.
” Fourteen thousand people die from road accidents on average every year in South Africa; 20 people die from a snake bite; 10 from scorpion stings and zero from spider bites. When we consider the number of deaths from smoking, alcohol and fast foods, venomous animals should be our least concern,” Leeming pointed out.
The following should be considered to reduce the chance of a snake bite:
- Treat all snakes with respect
- Do not pick up dead snakes
- When you encounter a snake, remember the animal is trying to get away from you
- If you do not know what species the snake is, leave it alone
- Never try to kill the snake
- Leave snake removal and relocation to trained personnel.
If you are bitten, Leeming suggests you immobilise the affected limb and seek professional medical help. For more information on first aid and emergency protocols regarding snake bites, visit Leeming’s website.
