WATCH: Snakes of the 031 – Mozambique Spitting Cobra
As the name suggests, these snakes spit – quite accurately at their targets.
CAXTON Local Media has partnered with snake rescuer Nick Evans for a series called ‘Snakes of the 031’.
In this series, Nick will be introducing the most common snakes of Durban.
In the seventh part of our series, Nick speaks about the Mozambique Spitting Cobra.
“Mozambique Spitting Cobras are venomous and can grow up to 1.8m in length. They also have distinct colouring, being brown on top and having a salmon-pink to orange colour underneath its body. They also have distinct bands on their neck which is one way to identify them. These snakes feed mainly on frogs, but they can also eat other snakes and birds.
“They are one of two cobra species found in Durban with the other being the Forest Cobra. As the name suggests, these snakes spit – quite accurately at their targets. They have a cytotoxic venom, and if bitten, you need to get to hospital immediately. Quite often, these snakes also spit at pets, and I’d advise pet owners to try and keep their animals away as the venom can cause discomfort in their eyes. The best thing to do is immediately rinse their eyes out with water,” he said.
Evans urged residents that should they see any snake, they should contact a professional rather than approaching the snake themselves.
“The best thing to do is monitor the snake and call in a professional,” he said.
Contact him on 072 809 5806.
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