LOVE them or hate them, man has lived alongside snakes since the time of the Garden of Eden. Although the snake in that particular tale was the villain, not all snakes are bad – or venomous. One of the features of living on the South Coast is that almost inevitable encounter with a snake. It therefore makes sense to have some basic knowledge of the different species since far too many non-venomous serpents are simply taken out by those with a ‘any snake is a bad snake’ attitude. It also pays to be able to identify the snake if you are perhaps bitten by a venomous one. This is crucial should you land in hospital and medical personnel need to determine in double quick time what type of snake bite must be treated. Remember: Only eight South African species are highly venomous, and most are just as afraid of you as you are or them. It is always good policy to apply common sense when moving about in our lush sub-tropical vegetation. The Zululand Observer has the following tips and information to share:
When hiking or walking in a wilderness area, stick to the path and avoid grassy, bushy areas, where snakes may be hiding.
Also wear boots, long pants and a long sleeved shirt and be careful when picking up objects where snakes are likely to lurk. The classic example is logs being sought as firewood or when cleaning out your yard.
Don’t try to catch or prod snakes with a stick, most snakes can strike two thirds of their length.
Treatment of snake bites Precise treatment of the various kinds of snake venom is considerably different and best left to medical professionals. However there are some general principles to be followed while seeking medical help.
Difficult as it may be, try and stay calm. Any activity increasing the victim’s heart rate must be limited as much as possible, because a racing heart circulates the venom in the body faster.
Do not use a tourniquet as it may, in the long run, cause complications.
Do not cut the bite area in an attempt to make it bleed or try suck the venom out the wound.
Watch out for these snakes in particular
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