WATCH out for snakes in the grass, or even sneaking behind the toilet door.

The warning comes after a local snake catcher received more calls in the past two weeks than he usually does in a month at this time of year.

A ‘rep selling venom’ last week forced one Mtunzini factory to shut down briefly as workers dashed for cover.

The massive green mamba, more than two metres long and as thick as a man’s arm, had slithered its way inside, leaving no doubt a professional needed to be summoned.

Jaco Dercksen, who has been catching snakes as a ‘hobby’ for the past three years, quickly settled the snafu by snagging the suspect.

‘From the description given to me over the phone I knew it was a green mamba, a snake which is known for being very long,’ said Dercksen, a 48 year-old businessman now living in Mtunzini.

‘I was quite surprised when I saw it – I have caught longer green mambas, but never one as thick as this. It must have lived somewhere with lots of food.’

After the capture, Dercksen sent the snake off to a laboratory where venom extractions are done before the snake is again released in a conducive environment.

‘Venom extraction is extremely important for the development of anti-venoms.’

Increased activity

Zululand, long considered as snake kingdom, has seen increased snake activity over the past weeks.

According to Dercksen, the reason is relatively simple.

‘This time of the year, winter, is commonly known as hibernation periods for most snakes. It is also breeding time for mambas in particular.

‘However, with the late and heavy rains, the snakes will put off finding a dark spot to curl up.

‘After the rain there is an abundance of frogs moving around, so the snakes will try and eat as much as possible before settling in.’

Danger

But while humans may fear snakes, it is the reptiles themselves that are in fact in greater danger.

According to Dercksen, many people do not realise that snakes only just miss the endangered species separation line.

‘In December 2013, I caught 94 Forest cobras in Mtunzini. The next two years I only caught three over the festive seasons.

‘It was this more than anything that made me realise just how serious the problem is facing our snakes.’

Dercksen, who has been passionate about snakes and other reptiles from a young age, says he often receives calls from rural areas.

‘I use those call-outs as an opportunity to teach people more about snakes.

‘Most people are scared of snakes, but one hundred percent of people are absolutely fascinated by them, if they are safe and contained that is.

‘Very often, after I catch a snake, people will come up asking questions and wanting to touch it. I have seen an opportunity to teach the importance of these creatures to others.’

Dercksen also issued a plea to residents, urging them not to kill any snakes.

‘Phone me and send me a picture of the snake,’ he said.

‘If it’s venomous, I will come out and take care of it. If it’s non venomous, please just take it out of your home carefully.’

Jaco can be contacted on 076 2843413.

Common Zululand Snakes

During the interview, the Zululand Observer asked Dercksen which snakes he comes across most often.

Non-venomous

Venomous