It’s snake season: Don’t get rattled
The City of Ekurhuleni cautions pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
We are well into the Spring season and the weather is nice and warm.
This also means that snakes will now be up and about, hungry and in search of food after a long period of hibernation.
From mid-August until late May it is snake season, and the City of Ekurhuleni cautions pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Read: Snakebite on pets can be fatal
According to Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe, a number of snakes which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, aurora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like mice and lizards.
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 the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the heavy-bodied puff adder known to be slow in its motions, other than an extremely quick strike – it’s usually very reluctant to move away from where it is lying.
Read: Slithery surprise at SPCA
The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi feeder, which is good at faking death when threatened by people – its main danger is to eyes, due to the ability to spit venom over a long distance.
It can be identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
Gadebe provided the following tips on what to do when you come across a snake:
• Give the snake right of way;
• You can scream and shout, but don’t jump or move;
• Keep a distance of about five meters from the snake as some snakes can spit venom;
• Watch where the snake ends up so as to assist to locate the reptile once you’ve contacted an expert;
• Do not try to kill the snake, trying to kill the snake may lead to snake bites;
• Call for help.
In the event of a snake bite, it is advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Residents who come across snakes in their residential areas can contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999 3029 / 083 239 7774 or email to chris.mthobeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for assistance.
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