Amanzimtoti social media page dedicated to snakes

The Facebook page ‘Snakes – Amanzimtoti and Surrounds Group’ is for both snake enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn more about snakes and how to identify them. “It is great for people living or holidaying in the area to have access to information about snakes and other reptiles,” said Toti snake catcher, Caitlin Hunt of KT Reptile Removal and Relocation Services – KZN, who started the page. “The ultimate goal is to educate people about these animals, as they are so often misunderstood and unfairly treated as a result. They form an integral part of a balanced ecosystem and we endeavor to conserve our natural flora and fauna in all forms. “We thought it would be a great idea to have a place specifically dedicated for snakes, where people can share their experiences, photographs and ask questions of people within the field, as there is so much misinformation and myths around these animals.” The public is encouraged to post photos of snakes to identify them before calling a snake catcher out. “This is an important part of how people learn. We do sometimes get busy and checking Facebook is not always possible, so dependent on the situation, it might be quicker to send an identification request WhatsApp to my number 084-205-4677.” READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti snake catcher is on the hunt Everyone is welcome in the group providing they agree to abide by simple community rules and standards. “We need to ensure that the group remains civil, understanding and courteous at all times.” Caitlin and her team cover Amanzimtoti and most surrounding areas within a 20km to 30km radius. “If the area falls outside of what we cover, we network closely with other professionals in the field to ensure the complainant receives the quickest response. I will pretty much rescue any animal in need. If it is something that I do not generally work with, then I network closely with other recognised organisations to ensure that the animal is taken to the correct facility.” For anyone interested, there is a podcast that runs biweekly that covers some of the rescues by Caitlin Hunt, Neville Wolmerans, Hadyn Bircher, Byron Zimmerman and Jason Arnold. It’s called ‘On The Hunt’ and can be found on Amanzimtoti’s online radio station’s website www.chatsapphire.co.za. “We have definitely seen an increase in rescues now that the weather is becoming warmer. There is much activity at this time of the year with breeding season upon us, so many of the snakes are actively hunting and seeking out potential mates. READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti beaches are now attracting snakes “By far one of the most common snakes that causes much distress is the spotted bush snake. These harmless snakes are commonly around people’s homes, where they feed on geckos. They are often mistaken for green mambas and killed as a result. While we do have green mambas in Toti, they are not as common as spotted bush snakes and once you are familiar with the different species, it’s very easy to tell them apart.” She said a nocturnal species that one should be aware of is the stiletto snake. Often people pick these snakes up, thinking they are harmless and are bitten in the process. They have quite a potent cytotoxic venom, which results in severe pain, swelling, blistering and in most cases, fairly substantial tissue damage. There is no antivenom for this species and all bites are treated symptomatically. “Don’t pick up any snake that you are unsure of with your bare hands. Even wearing a garden glove will not be sufficient protection from a bite from a venomous snake. Remember a snake will not randomly attack you – they only bite when they feel threatened. The majority of bites occur when people are attempting to capture or kill the snake.” Rather contact a professional to assist you to remove unwanted reptiles safely.  

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