Snake versus pet, what should humans do?

EARLIER this month local snake catcher, Nick Evans received a call from a local vet that was treating a dog that was fighting for its life after he was bitten by a Black Mamba in Westville.

“When the large snake’s presence was detected by the family’s dogs, the barking alerted the security guard, who reacted how one should not. Most likely having never been exposed to snake education in his life, as many people haven’t, he rushed over to kill the snake,” said Evans.

According to Evans, while the guard was beating the snake to death, one of the dogs, a Malamut named Diesel, rushed in and bit the snake, probably in an attempt to help his friend (the guard). The dog was bitten in return.

Also read: Dog bitten by snake while searching for missing person to be …

“Fortunately, Diesel’s family were home, and after seeing the commotion, rushed him to Westville Veterinary Clinic, not even five minutes away. Diesel managed to stumble in by himself, but seconds later, he collapsed. The mambas neurotoxic venom was shutting down his body at a rapid rate.

Thankfully, the Westville Veterinary Clinic had two ampules of polyvalent antivenom, the antivenom used to halt the effects of mamba, cobra and adder venom. They were immediately intravenously injected into Diesel. But they weren’t going to be enough to save his life,” Evans said.

Fortunately Diesel survived the ordeal with the help of local vets and Evans.

According to Evans, dogs and cats are the two pets which most often have run-ins with snakes.

“Cats are excellent hunters, and often bring small snakes inside, displeasing their owners. However, it would seem that cats know which snakes to leave alone – the big ones.

“In the dog’s case, the situation is often much worse. Dogs seem to be protective of their owners and their space and they are more likely to attack the snake, which almost always ends badly,” he said.

Evans provided the following tips to pet owners and anyone who may encounter a snake and pet fight:

Do not get in between, rather try to get the pet away from the snake. According to Evans one pet owner used a water hose and it worked.

“In the case with Diesel and the Black Mamba, the guard should not have attacked the snake in the way that he did, as he could easily have got himself bitten. However, I do not blame him. I have learnt that the majority of people who kill snakes, do so because they have never learnt much about snakes. There’s a severe lack of education. He, like many people, may have been brought up with the attitude of “kill it, before it kills you”, which is wrong.

According to Evans, killing a snake, especially a Black Mamba, is extremely dangerous and is not necessary. Always call a snake-catcher instead.

Pet owners should keep an ear out, dogs usually bark differently to alert that there is an intruder.

“Should you hear of pet/snake conflict in your neighbourhood, please could you send me details of the incident, so that I can record them for an ongoing study on the subject,” said Evans.

Finally, don’t try any home remedies, rather rush your pet to the vet immediately.

Email: nickevanskzn@gmail.com Cell: 072 809 5806

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