Keep your eyes on the snake, warns Ekurhuleni’s snake catcher
Remember, snakes do not have ears, so they can’t hear you but pick up vibration and movement.
Snake season is upon us, which means snakes will soon be out and about after a long period of hibernation – hungry and in search of food.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s senior environmentalist and a snake catcher, Christopher Mthombeni, cautions pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they just may fall prey to snakes.
Should residents come across a snake in their living space, Mthombeni cautions that people should not panic.
He advises to always keep the snake within your vision at a distance of about five metres away, not try to kill or handle the snake and to give right of way. “Don’t block its way and from a distance look at where the snake ends up while you call for help.”
“Remember, snakes do not have ears, so they can’t hear you but pick up vibration and movement, so avoid moving a lot, otherwise it will make them uneasy,” said Mthombeni.
The Ekurhuleni region is prone to snakes due to the Blesbokspruit river system, Bullfrog Pan and all other Highveld grasslands and many open spaces with good eco-systems that provide both food and shelter for snakes.
Beware of the puff adder and rinkhals, as they are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
The rinkhals, or ring-necked cobra, is a fast-moving multi-feeder that is good at faking death.
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It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
“Not all snakes are poisonous, however, all snake bites should be treated seriously and be checked by a medical doctor,” said Mthombeni.
He advises that when coming to the rescue of a person bitten by a snake, start by relaxing the patient, calm them down and do not panic as this increases the speed of blood flow.
Observe the symptoms and get as many details as possible from the patient so as to share them with the doctor and, most importantly, rush the patient to the nearest hospital.
Furthermore, he cautions residents on how to avoid snakes in their spaces by keeping the yard clean, as an untidy yard creates a habitat for rodents which is the primary food for snakes.
Use your municipal 240-litre wheelie bins to dispose of your refuse as this may also be food for rodents which will attract snakes.
Finally, when feeding your pets, put out enough for the day, don’t have extra food on site to avoid feeding rodents.
Residents can contact Mthombeni on 083 239 7774 or 011 999 3029 or email him at Christopher.mthombeni@ekurhuleni.gov.za for more information and advice.
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