Be on the look out for snakes when stepping outside during the day as they look for hot spots to rest in the sun.
The warm weather during summer causes people to flock outside and enjoy the rays of the sun and cooling water of the pool.
This also means that snakes will now be around after a long period of hibernation.
Until late May it is snake season, and the Ekurhuleni Metro wishes to caution pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall victim to snakes.
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 back gardens searching for food such as rats.
Read more about dangerous snakes below.
See here what the harmless snakes look like:
Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species of snakes tend to be easily killed or captured as pets. This is illegal and punishable if one does not have a legal permit.
Meanwhile, snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous.
The puff adder is 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.
Read below what to do in emergency situations when confronted with a snake or bitten by one.
Here are what these dangerous snakes look like:
What to do when face-to-face with a snake:
- Give the snake the right of way.
- You can scream and shout, but do not jump or move.
- Keep a distance of about five metres from the snake as some snakes can spit venom.
- Watch where the snake goes so you can assist in locating the reptile once an expert arrives.
- Do not try to kill the snake, it may lead to the danger of a snake bite.
- Call for help.
What to do if bitten by a snake or spat in the eyes or an open wound:
- Do not panic.
- Do not run or try to drive yourself.
- 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 e-mail chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.
Springs resident, local snake expert and Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services fireman, Bossie Bosman, can be contacted on 083 656 1032 for snake emergencies.
