Amanzimtoti snake catcher is on the hunt

Trained as a classical pianist, Caitlin Hunt, 35, could have opted for fame and glory in the great concert halls of the world, but instead she prefers to catch critters and crawlies. She was born in Johannesburg and attended St Catherine’s in Empangeni until Grade 6. The family then moved to Toti, where she was home-schooled until matric.

Asked what animals she rescues, her response was a laugh. “It would be more accurate to ask what I don’t rescue. My rescues these days are mostly reptile related. I was always interested in the natural world and all it has to offer. My parents didn’t allow me a pet when I was young, so I would tame crickets and geckos, and keep giant land snails in my room as pets.

“My brother was always involved with snakes and my mother got me to volunteer at a wildlife animal rehabilitation centre in Zululand when I was young. My passion for rehabilitation, conservation and rescue grew from there and I have been doing it for more than 25 years.”

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Caity’s other loves are drawing, gardening and bonsai, and she’s a self-confessed bookworm. She has rehabilitated injured animals for most of her life, but for the past 15 years has been more involved in snake and other reptile related removals. She studied zoology and gained useful hands-on experience over the years from various respected people in the world of animal rescue.

If she collects an animal that has a minor injury, she attends to it, but occasionally she has to seek veterinary attention for a serious injury or euthanasia if the injury is irreparable. “If a dangerous animal is uninjured, I will release it back into the wild, as close as possible to where it was originally from and as far away from people as possible. It’s often a juggle, because we don’t want to upset the natural balance of certain animals in certain areas. We need to have the best interests of both people and animals in mind and still remain mindful of not upsetting the environment and ecosystem.”

She works hand in hand with rescue or rehab centres such as CROW. “Many hands make light work in animal rescue. There are so many animals requiring assistance during certain periods of the year and there are, sadly, too few of us taking responsibility. I try to assist wherever possible and get each animal to wherever it needs to be for the best possible outcome.”

For reptile related issues Caity is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. “I probably should have a day job, but it would be impossible for me to do what I do if I had to answer to someone and the thought of being stuck behind a desk all day is not one I relish. If someone calls and I cannot respond, I refer them to various trusted people I network closely with.”

READ ALSO: Reasons why snakes should be protected

All rehab and veterinary costs are done at her expense and she admits her savings have long been depleted. “As I am not a registered NPO, I am unable to request donations for veterinary treatment, but if people would like to contribute in any way to assist my work, it will be very welcome.

“My advice to youngsters who love animals and would like to do what I do is to first volunteer at an organisation where you will learn the ropes from people who have years of experience. There is no greater feeling than a successful rescue with a happy ending, but you must accept that there will be some that you cannot save. Secondly, you must have patience and a willingness to persevere. It takes both time and money, so expect to not have much of either.”

Caity covers Umkomaas, Amanzimtoti, Chatsworth and anything in between. Call her on 084-205-4677.

What you need know when you find an injured or dangerous animal

“Time is of the essence. Many animals that require rescue are already potentially injured and in a state of shock or dehydration. It is imperative to get the animal into the hands of someone who knows what they are doing ASAP. Where snakes are concerned, it is imperative to keep an eye on it to have an idea of where it is when I arrive. Do not pour disinfectant fluid or use any insecticide prior to my arrival, as these are toxic to snakes and people and can result in further issues. Call me ASAP, as I am undoubtedly not going to find a snake that was seen in your neighbour’s yard last week.

If you encounter a dangerous animal, ensure someone monitors it closely from a safe distance. If possible, contain the animal or snake in a room, ensuring that windows are closed and the door has no gap at the bottom. People with good intentions may want to give the animal water and food, but this can cause more harm than good. Pronutro is an absolute no-no and attempting to give an injured or stressed bird water by hand can result in the bird aspirating the water into its lungs with devastating immediate or prolonged suffering. Some animals can easily die from shock and stress if handled poorly by an inexperienced person.”

Share a close call

“I had swapped my handling equipment out from one vehicle to another when I received a call for a Mozambique spitting cobra in Chatsworth. I reached the Chatsworth off-ramp only to remember that my gear was still up against the wall at my house. The rescue was a bit of a mission and there were a few hairy moments, but I managed to get the snake into a box and it ended well.”

Funniest animal rescue story

“I rescued a water monitor lizard in Toti and then received a call from a panicked woman about a snake in Chatsworth. I bagged the lizard and made my way to her. At about halfway, I discovered the lizard had escaped the bag and was now roaming freely in my vehicle. I pulled over to recapture it when it decided to get me back by pooing all over my lap. I didn’t have a change of clothes, so I arrived covered in lizard excrement and ponging to high heaven.”

Most unusual animal rescue

“I was called out to collect a nest of snakes that had hatched in someone’s garden. Upon my arrival, I discovered that it was, in fact, an army of little caterpillars. I also captured a dassie in Seadoone Mall a few years back and through the years, I’ve ‘caught’ an assortment of bucket handles, rubber snakes, dust, leaves and plastic bags.”

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