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Snake expert sheds light on harmless ‘terror’ of Durban
As the temperature increases, so too will the activity of Durban's most common snake: the non-venomous Spotted Bush Snake.
WITH the warmer weather, a local snake expert, Nick Evans, has noted residents should expect an explosion of activity with Durban’s most common snake: the Spotted Bush Snake.
The non-venomous snake is also known as the Variegated Bush Snake or, most commonly, the Garden Snake.
How to identify a Spotted Bush Snake:
-Green
-Less than a metre in length
-Thin snakes, slightly thinner than the average adult’s pinky finger.
-Black speckles/stripes going half-way down the body
-Tail-end is plain green
-Light yellow belly
According to Evans, he has already received numerous phonecalls from residents who have spotted them going into rooves.
What to do if a Spotted Bush Snake is in your roof:
“I don’t mean to sound unhelpful, but there isn’t much one can do. Luckily, there’s nothing to worry about as it is a non-venomous snake. They can hide in the tiniest of spaces, so locating them in a roof is no easy task. These snakes are incredibly fast, and whizz around ceilings,” said Evans.
He encouraged residents to leave it alone and it will move away of its accord.
“It’s there to eat geckos, and will soon move on,” he noted.
What to do when you see a Spotted Bush Snake:
“If possible, take a photo of it and send it to your local snake-catcher to confirm the ID,” said Evans.
– If the snake is seen outside, Evans noted that it will leave the area itself.
– If it is near a door or window, a broom can be used to gently remove it from the area.
– Do not use your hands to deal with them in an effort to avoid the risk of picking up a venomous green snake.
– If it is inside, and far from a door or window, it can be coaxed into a large bucket and released outside.
A snake catcher can be contacted, however there will be a call-out fee.
“Please do not kill these pretty little snakes. It is unnecessary and cruel. It’s a living animal that feels pain and they cannot harm you, your child or pet,” he said.
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