Please show respect for spring’s slithery visitors
Not all snakes are harmful and killing them can create a detrimental imbalance in the ecosystem.
ONE animal that gains notoriety at this time of year is the snake, an often-misunderstood creature that is unnecessarily killed by fearful humans.
Martin Rodrigues, manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, urges people not to attempt to kill snakes, but rather to contact someone to assist.
“South Africa has approximately 170 species and sub-species of snakes, which means the chance of having an encounter with a scaly creature at some point is relatively good,” explained Rodrigues.
“Snakes are killed regularly because people assume they are dangerous and could harm them or their family. However, not all snakes are venomous and there is a very good chance that it may be completely harmless.”
Snakes play a crucial role in the ecosystem, creating important links in the food chain and are actually beneficial to have around because they prey on geckos, rodents and toads, all of which are abundant in urban areas.
Snakes are attracted to properties in the hopes of locating a nice meal, water, shelter and possibly mates.
Rodrigues also warned that in an attempt to kill a snake, people place themselves in potentially dangerous situations. “Many people who get bitten happen to be those either trying to catch or kill a snake.”
Common harmless species found in the area include the herald (red-lipped snake), brown house snake, Southern brown egg-eater, spotted bush snake and the olive snake.
The most common venomous species found include the night adder, green mamba, vine/bird or twig snake and the stiletto snake. However, the black mamba, boomslang, puff adder, Mozambique spitting cobra and the rinkhals may also be encountered.
Rodrigues said the first thing to do if a snake is spotted is to keep a safe distance. Take a photo with a cellphone to identify the species. “Keep an eye on the snake’s whereabouts and contact Crocworld immediately if you stay in the area. If you do not stay in Scottburgh or surrounding areas, you are still welcome to contact us and we will try to assist by putting you in contact with an individual in your area.”
Crocworld Conservation Centre offers a free service of identifying and removing snakes for the communities of Scottburgh, Umkomaas, Pennington and Park Rynie. For more information or assistance call 039 9761103.
If you live in the Port Shepstone, Margate, Uvongo, Shelly Beach area, call Pure Venom at 039 6850704
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