Beware of snakes on the move

‘WITH the seasons changing and temperatures rising again, we are going into snake mating season and snakes will start becoming more active.’

That’s the warning from a local group of snake catchers who are trying to create awareness among the public, to protect the lives of snakes as well as people.

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‘Snakes in South Africa generally don’t hibernate as such during winter, although they do tend to be less active during winter/colder months,’ said Zululand Snake Rescue (ZSR) founder and administrator, Danie Nel.

‘Snakes, like any other animals, insects or humans need food and water to survive, so they tend to wander into residential, business or industrial properties searching for food, as their natural habitats diminish due to development.

‘But not all snakes you come across are venomous or dangerous,’ says Danie.

‘If you cannot identify the snake, please don’t pick it up or handle it; call a snake handler to remove it safely.’

Passionate and experienced, ZSR members are on call 24/7 to safely remove and relocate snakes and reptiles to a natural and safe environment.

‘We urge people not to harm or kill snakes as they play a vital role in the environment.

‘Our members cover Mtunzini, eShowe, Richards Bay, Empangeni, KwaMbonambi, Mtubatuba, St Lucia and surrounding areas and townships.

‘Please bear in mind that these handlers do not do this for a living and all have full time jobs, so they are attending to snake calls in their own time and at their own expense – so please feel free to make a donation towards their fuel expenses should you use their services.

‘All ZSR members are involved in nature conservation in one way or another and have a vast knowledge of various animals and insects as well as snakes and other reptiles.

‘We also offer a basic snake identification presentation to assist people in identifying snakes easier.’

Zululand Snake Rescue members:
Danie: 083 6611232
Fred: 066 2433377
Bruce: 083 7309832
Caz: 078 4852782
Minette: 072 2442440
Peter: 076 0516420
Phillip: 072 9766002
Tiaan: 082 6544321
Zephian: 082 3218425

What to do if you have a snake in your house or workplace:
• Don’t panic and run away screaming; stand still and keep a safe distance (at least two metres) from the snake, but keep an eye on where it is or goes as this helps snake handlers to locate it. Call a snake handler.
• If possible take a picture of the snake which you can send to a snake handler for easy and quick identification.
• Try to give an accurate description of the snake’s colour, size, markings/patterns etc as this helps snake handlers with identifying it from the phone picture to determine whether or not it is venomous.
• Do not pour boiling water, Jeyes Fluid, sulphur, petrol or any other fluids or chemicals onto the snake. That is animal cruelty and illegal as well as morally wrong. It also contaminates the environment with chemicals. Snake repellents as sold in shops are worthless. This has been scientifically proven in studies conducted by reputable herpetologists.

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