WARNING: Be on the lookout for snakes, says metro
The metro has issued a warning to residents to be on high alert and also to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Whilst residents enjoy the spring season with the weather nice and warm, snakes too will be out and about after a long period of hibernation, hungry and in search of food.
Some snakes such as the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake, may appear to be harmless to humans.
The metro has advised that these species are most likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rats, frogs and cats.
Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, they tend to be easily killed or captured as pets however this may be deemed as an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.
Extremely dangerous snakes such as the rinkhals and the puff adder are 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.
Snake expert Bossie Bosman from Springs says when coming across snakes, residents should try covering it with a blanket to stop the snake from moving around.
Bosman advises that residents should not let the snake out of their sight until a snake handler comes to help.
“Also, when a snake is moving on the ground they should be away from it as far as its length,” says Bosman.
One needs to keep a safe distance of four meters from the snake should it stand up as it is getting ready to attack.
“Should a snake spit at or on them, residents should wash the affected area with water or milk.”
To get rid of a snake inside your house or yard you may contact Bosman on 083 656 1032.
Alternatively residents may also contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999 3029 or 083 239 7774 or email chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.
