Snake sightings in Alberton, Joburg South areas prompted local catcher to rescue missions

Snake sightings in Alberton and some Johannesburg south areas prompted a local catcher to rescue missions.

Snake catcher, Julian Wilder, gave some tips on what Albertonians should do when they come across snakes.

Tips courtesy of Julian Wilder from:

• Spotted a snake? Do not panic or stress. Contact a snake rescuer or catcher first.

• Keep your eyes on the snake from a safe distance, approximately three to five metres away until a rescuer or catcher arrives.

• If possible, try capturing a photo or video of the snake for identification and send it to the catcher or rescuer.

• Keep your pets and any other uninformed people away from the area.

• Do not attempt to handle or deal with a snake on your own. Do not try to injure or kill the snake as it puts your life at risk of being bitten or venom being spat or sprayed into your eyes.

• Keep monitoring the snake until the catcher or rescuer arrives, otherwise, the snake will move along and it will not be traceable when the catcher or rescuer arrives.

• Once the rescuer or catcher arrives, direct them to where the snake is.

• Keep your rescuer or catcher’s number on speed dial in case an encounter happens.

• In case of being bitten or venom sprayed or spat into your eyes, do not cover the bite or cut, rather rush to the nearest hospital or clinic and you will be treated or stabilised.

• When going on holiday, please keep the above-mentioned steps in mind. Also, check which snakes are common in the area you are visiting. It is advisable to know which snakes could be encountered.

Keep up with what Julian Wilder and what they are doing at Wild Ones Snake Rescue and Release by following them on Facebook: Snake Rescue and Release, or follow this WhatsApp group, good for snake identification and a great platform for learning.

Alternatively, call Julian directly on 0847063268 or 0672693289 for callouts or snake-related inquiries.