Snakes are harmless, trying to fatten up for Winter
"Snakes are a lot more afraid of us than we are of them. They do not want to bite people, they just want to be left alone." - Nick Evans
RECENT snake sightings in the Highway area are just indications that the reptiles are trying to fatten up before winter.
Nick Evans (21) runs a programme called ‘KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’, aimed at creating an awareness for these feared creatures and educating the public. As a part of this he also does snake removals around Durban.
During the past three months he has been kept busy in the Highway area, especially with mambas and Mozambique spitting cobras. He explains why these particular snakes are so active now and what to do if you see a snake.
“Recently, I removed a black mamba from a home in Dawncliffe, and another smaller one in Queensburgh. Mozambique spitting cobras have been popping up all over the place too, even in Hobbytech in Westville,” said Evans.
He said the reason why snakes are so active now is that they’re trying to fatten up for winter, when there is a lot less food around. Snakes such as night adders, Mozambique spitting cobras and herald snakes feed almost exclusively on frogs and toads. Mozambique spitting cobras may also eat rodents and lizards.
“During the winter months there are no amphibians around, so they have to make sure they eat as much as they can before the amphibians go into hiding. Geckos too are scarce in the winter months, so the harmless little green snakes, such as the spotted bush snake, try and eat as much they can before winter,” explained Evans.
Snakes are ectothermic, not cold-blooded. Being ectothermic means that they cannot self-regulate their own body temperature. This means that they need to gain heat from external sources, like the sun. Snakes in Durban do not hibernate like in other parts of the world. It does not get cold enough for snakes to need to hibernate. They are a lot less active, as there is less food around. They will still come out to bask and get warmth from the sun. So you may still see snakes in winter.
“If you see a snake, do not panic and most importantly, do not kill it. Snakes are a lot more afraid of us than we are of them. They do not want to bite people, they just want to be left alone. They are not evil, vicious killers like people believe. The black mamba, for example, has a terrible reputation among people. They are nervous and shy snakes, not aggressive. They will always rather retreat than bite, like all snakes.”
“Snakes are important in our environment, as predators and prey. They keep rodent, frog and lizard populations in check, and are also food for birds, mongoose and genets,” said Evans.
He advised that should you see a snake, to stay calm and still and back away slowly. He suggested that you call someone who removes snakes and keep an eye on the snake.
“Do not pour Jeye’s fluid on it or petrol, it does nothing except harm the snake. Humans and snakes can easily co-exist, as long as we can understand them better. This can only be done by learning more about them,” he concluded.
