Forest cobra found in Toti home

It was certainly a rare occurrence when a meter long forest cobra, a species that is not naturally found in areas south of Ballito, was found outside a Amanzimtoti woman’s front yard, recently.  For local reptile catcher Caitlin Hunt, this was indeed an exciting bag.

Speaking to the SUN, the animal activist explained that there was a lot of confusion as to how the snake had made its way to the South Coast and said,  “The snake was found outside someone’s front door. Initially, I asked whether anyone in the vicinity had travelled from Zululand recently. One of the women I spoke to mentioned that she and her husband had just returned from Richard’s Bay. I felt sure that this was how the snake had landed up in Amanzimtoti, however, this turned out to be purely coincidental. It seems that a woman who stays further north had a Forest Cobra of about a meter long enter her vehicle just prior to her travelling to Amanzimtoti.”

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The snake was found on Friday, 29 November in perfect condition. Despite it being a highly venomous snake, it also had appeared to be in a very relaxed state. At just over a meter long, the forest cobra is probably about two to three years old, however it depends on the frequency of feed intake.

“Forest cobras do not naturally occur in areas south of Ballito. This was an accidental transportation of the snake into the area via a vehicle. So it was a pretty rare occurrence. The snake has already been released into a wilderness area away from human habitation 50 odd kilometers North of Richard’s Bay,” she added.

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Caitlin also explained that a lot of snake bites happen during the December period, where there is an increase in snake and human activity, since both species spend a great deal of time outdoors and accidental encounters are more likely to occur.
She provided the following tips for people who may come in contact with snakes:
-The important thing is to avoid interaction with them in any way.
-Snakes perceive humans as a threat and will defend themselves if they are handled or approached too closely.
-Give the snake a bit of distance and respect (as you would any other nervous, wild animal) and give it the opportunity to move off and disappear.
-If inside a home or too close to the home for comfort, give a reputable snake handler a call and let them come to help you and the animal at an affordable fee.
-Don’t try to be a hero and attempt to kill or catch the snake if you aren’t extensively experienced with snakes. You will avoid a whole lot of regret and a potential trip to hospital over the festive period.

“Please remember that bites from highly venomous species can be very serious and may even be life-threatening. I am available 24/7 for identification, assistance to remove and relocate snakes or advice on any issues,” she said.
Caitlin can be reached on 084-205-4677.

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