Watch out for these snakes in KZN

With warmer weather upon us, snakes that had been ‘keeping a low profile’ during winter are likely to start becoming more active again.

This is according to Dr Kevin McEwen, a trauma doctor who practises at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital’s emergency department.

He encourages members of the public to be wary and know what to do if they are bitten.

Dr McEwen says some of the most venomous snakes in KwaZulu-Natal are the black and green mambas.

“The cobras, including the spitting cobra, which has a mixture of nerve and cell venom, are also very dangerous.

“While the bite of a puff adder is serious in terms of cell damage, we don’t see them around urban areas so much. They’re more likely to be found in the bush in places like northern KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

He says the most common bite they see is, however, from the innocuous-looking stiletto snake or burrowing adder.

“People make the mistake of thinking the stiletto snake is harmless, and pick it up with their hands. They don’t realise it has sharp fangs on either side of its mouth, and one can move independently of the other.

“When people try to pick them up behind the neck, it can easily spike its fangs into your finger. It’s a brilliant defence technique, so it’s the most common snakebite we see.”

Dr McEwen points out that not all snakes have venom that has a toxic effect, but here is what you should do if you are bitten by a snake:

• Stay calm. Keep your wits about you
• Try to get a good look at the snake so you can identify it. Your doctor needs to know what snake has bitten you so they can treat you with the appropriate antivenom if necessary.
“Use your cellphone camera, if you can, to take a photo of the snake. We’re in contact with some very experienced herpetologists (snake experts) and often send them photos that patients have taken to help identify snakes accurately.”
• Get to the hospital straight away.
“The most important step is to call for help and get medical attention as soon as possible.”