Spring season is around the corner and the weather will soon be warm.
This also means that snakes will now be active after a long period of hibernation. They will go out in search of food.
The City of Ekurhuleni cautions pet owners to be on high alert and to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Mid-August until late May is snake season and several 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 like rats and cats.
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.
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Meanwhile, snakes, such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be instinctive, slow 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.
Residents in Brakpan, Springs, Kwa-Thema, Tsakani and Duduza who encounter a snake can call the city’s snake catchers listed below:
• Mapaseka Maleka – 079 180 9231
• Lucky Mahlangu – 083 237 7137
• Mbali Masango – 081 043 5354.
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