MIDVAAL. – The peak snake season in South Africa usually runs from September to November and can sometimes last well into February in hot conditions.
This is breeding season for snakes and a time when snakes tend to be quite active, going around in search of mates.
One of the more dangerous snakes which are quite common in the area of the Midvaal Local Municipality is the Rinkhals.
Out of the approximately 170 snake species in South Africa, the Rinkhals is often considered one of the most dangerous.
Alderman Phil Pretorius, Councillor for Ward 14 of the Midvaal Local Municipality, this week again issued a warning to members of the public to be vigilant.
This fast moving snake is considered extremely venomous and can spit up to 3 meters.
According to Johan Marais, CEO of the African Snakebite Institute, the Rinkhals (hemachatus haemachatus) – a snake that is also known as the “Ringnekspoegkobra” – is essentially a grassland inhabitant but is also found in the fynbos of the Western Cape.
“It is fond of wetlands where it feeds on frogs.
“When threatened it is very quick to disappear down a hole, but if cornered it will generally stand its ground, form a hood and is quick to spit, flicking the head forward in doing so.
“The Rinkhals is also quick to play dead with their body turned upside down and the mouth hanging open,” says the African Snakebite Institute.
According to the institute, these snakes vary in colouration with individuals from the highveld usually being grey to blackish, with two or three white bars on the chest.
“These colours are common throughout most of the Free State but as one gets to Clarens they are more banded, often with bright orange.
“Those in the KZN Midlands and the Cape Provinces are usually fully banded,” says the institute. While the average length of adult snakes varies from 80cm to a meter, some of these snakes have been found to be up to 1.5 meters in length.
“While the Rinkhals can certainly be considered as one of the deadliest snakes species in South Africa, a death hasn’t been reported in more than 40 years. In light of this the Rinkhals is certainly not in the same class as mambas, cobras or even the Puff Adder,” explains Marais.
“Anyone who is bitten by a Rinkhals is advised to go to the nearest hospital immediately. If a pet is bitten take them to the vet immediately. Do not bandage the wound. If poison ends up in your eyes you are advised to rinse it out immediately and go to a doctor so that the eyes can be examined,” advises Marais.
Anyone who spots a Rinkhals is advised to immediately take five steps backward and contact a snake catcher.
The African Snakebite Institute has more than 60 listed snake catchers on its website. Visit the official website of the African Snakebite Institute at www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com or check out their Facebook page for loads of information on snake species in South Africa.
You can also download their app App ASI Snakes for free (htt://bit.ly/snakebiteapp).
*The article first appeared on Vaalweekblad’s website in October 2020.
