With the change in season and increasing temperatures in the City, snakes are coming out of hibernation, which means you may find one or two trying to slither into your property for 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.
According to the metro, from mid-August until late May is snake season and several snakes, which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in the backyard gardens searching for food like rats and cats.
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The metro said 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.
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.
Many experts say snakes are not normally aggressive unless provoked. In case of an unwanted encounter with a snake on your property, call the City’s snake catchers and one of the officials will come and remove the reptile safely.
Snake catchers
Makhosonke Mabena – 071 833 6549 and Sonny Katisa – 073 988 8131 for Thembisa, Kempton Park, Boksburg, Vosloorus, Edenvale, Bedfordview, Germiston, Alberton and Thokoza.
Mapaseka Maleka – 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu – 083 237 7137 and Mbali Masango – 081 043 5354 for Etwatwa, Daveyton, Benoni, Actonville/Wattville, Brakpan, Springs, KwaThema, Tsakani and Duduza.
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