Spitting Cobra caught in Yellowwood Park home

PROFESSIONAL snake catcher Warren Dick was called to a Yellowwood Park home on January 11 to remove a snake – the occupants could not agree on what type of snake it was.

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Warren said that after it was seen on the property a few times, the husband thought it was a harmless Brown House Snake, but the wife and the domestic helper thought otherwise. When he arrived, Warren was told the snake was inside a stormwater drain pipe.

“I was told the other end is a bit blocked, so the snake has to come out the same way it went in. We got the hose pipe and started pouring water in, and before long, I saw the head of the snake peak out. I was 100% sure it was a Mozambique Spitting Cobra. Unfortunately, the drain pipe was not very well blocked, so it never really filled up well with water, but it was enough to make the snake uncomfortable,” said Warren.

Every time he approached the snake, it would duck back into the safety of the pipe, but the water was enough to irritate it and make it want to move out.

“After a few attempts, I was finally fast enough to pin it down with my snake tongs. I could safely grab it just behind the head and pull it out of the pipe. For interest’s sake, we measured it, and it was 1.35m long,” said Warren.

He thanked the family for calling, saying they are good people who love all animals and do not mind having the odd Brown House Snake or Spotted Bush Snake in the garden.

What to do if there is a snake in your home?
• Do not try to kill the snake.
• Get all people and pets out of the room immediately.
• Shut the door, and fill the gap underneath with a towel, then call a professional snake catcher for assistance.
• Warren can be contacted on 072 211 0353.

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