SPCA staff slither into snake training
SPCA staff members from Ekurhuleni sharpened their skills doing the South Africa Snakebite Institute courses.
With warmer weather on the horizon and snake sightings rising, the Boksburg SPCA staff have taken proactive steps to improve public and animal safety.
The society was part of three SPCAs from Ekurhuleni (Boksburg, Alberton and Springs) whose staff recently attended specialised training courses hosted by the African Snakebite Institute in Muldersdrift, covering everything from snake awareness to advanced venomous snake handling.
The staff participated in a snake awareness, first aid for snakebite and venomous snake handling course, and a representative from the Boksburg SPCA attended the more intensive snake handling bootcamp.
Boksburg SPCA field officer Jabu Manchidi was in the snake awareness course, while Boksburg SPCA inspector Ralph Chivaviro participated in the boot camp.
According to Sue Beadon, the secretary of Boksburg SPCA, the training was vital because SPCA staff get called to remove snakes from time to time.
“The identification of the snake species and understanding the risks involved is crucial, not just for the safety of our staff, but also for the families who need help removing the snake,” Beadon explained.
She thanked the institute for delivering an informative course, adding that staff enjoyed the learning experience.
The SPCA’s participation in these courses underlines a simple but powerful message: Education is key.
Tips to avoid getting bitten by a snake in SA:
• Leave snakes alone and treat them with respect at all times;
• Do not handle snakes, even small ones. Juvenile venomous snakes are as dangerous as the adults;
• Never tamper with a seemingly dead snake. Many have the nasty habit of playing dead when scared or threatened, only to suddenly strike the moment an opportunity arises;
• Wear boots and thick trousers or jeans if you spend a great deal of time outdoors. Hunters, hikers, birders and fishermen should consider wearing snake gaiters to protect their lower legs against bites;
• Step onto logs and rocks; never over them. Snakes often sun themselves while partially concealed under a log or rock;
• Never put your hands in out-of-sight places, especially when mountain climbing. Berg adders are known to bask on small ledges and will certainly bite if a hand suddenly appears close by;
• Never walk barefoot or without a torch at night when camping or visiting facilities in the bush. Many snakes are active after sunset, and slow-moving snakes like the puff adder are easily stepped on;
• Do not try to kill or catch a snake if you come across one. Throwing rocks or shooting at a snake will bring you trouble. Also, do not try to catch a snake with braai tongs or pin it and grab it behind the head. Some snakes, such as the stiletto snake, cannot be held safely behind the head, and you will get bitten if you try;
• In case of a snakebite emergency, do not try to catch or kill the snake. Take a photograph from a safe distance to help with its identification.
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