Be careful of snakes – here are some tips
Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the Ekurhuleni Metro, says snake season will last until late May.
We are well into the spring season and almost moving into summer.
Summer is many people’s favourite time of year where they spend days at a time outdoors enjoying the sunshine with their families.
However, people are not the only beings who love summer.
Snakes also have a particular ‘liking’ for the warm season and after a long period of hibernation, they are hungry and in search of food.
Read: Watch out for snakes
The snakes also go in search of a warm spot of earth to warm up.
Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the Ekurhuleni Metro, says snake season will last until late May.
“The metro wishes to caution pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes,” he says.
A number of snakes which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Aurora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food such as rats and cats.
Read: Snakes descend on residents
“Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.”
Snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi-feeder which is good at faking death.
It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
Gadebe gives these few tips when coming across a snake:
• Give the snake right of way.
• You can scream and shout but don’t jump or move.
• Keep a distance of about 5 metres from the snake as some snakes can spit poison.
• Watch where the snake ends up so as to assist to locate the reptile once you’ve contacted an expert.
• Do not try to kill the snake, trying to kill the snake may lead to the danger of snake bites.
• Call for help.
What to do if bitten by a snake or spat on the eyes or an open wound:
• Do not panic.
• Do not run or try to drive yourself.
• Do not take it for granted.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Should residents come across snakes in their residential areas, they may contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999 3029 or 083 239 7774 or email chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.
You may also contact a snake expert in Springs, Bossie Bosman on 083 656 1032.
