HIGHWAY snake catcher Nick Evans said a recent spate of snakebite incidents involving dogs has been reported to him across KwaZulu-Natal in recent weeks.

Evans wrote on his Facebook page that the incidents reported to him in the last few weeks involve a range of venomous species, including Stiletto Snakes, juvenile Black and Green Mambas, Boomslang, Puff Adders, and Mozambique Spitting Cobras.

“In several cases, dogs have also been sprayed in the eyes by spitting cobras, an event that, while typically not life-threatening, can still cause significant distress and injury.”

Evans noted that such encounters are often unavoidable in regions where humans, pets, and wildlife coexist.

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“When dogs encounter snakes, they tend to attack instinctively. The snake, in turn, defends itself, frequently biting in self-preservation. Despite this, the snake is often killed in the process, leaving both animals as victims of instinct-driven behavior.”

He urged pet owners to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of these dangerous encounters.

“Pet owners must keep dogs indoors if a snake is spotted, immediately calling pets away if they begin barking at or approaching a snake, and never allowing dogs to engage with the reptile. “Standing by and recording an incident instead of acting can cost a dog its life,” cautioned Evans.

If a snake is seen on a property, the snake catcher advised residents to secure their pets and contact a professional snake remover.

“In the event of a suspected bite, especially if symptoms such as vomiting, swelling, or excessive drooling occur, owners should seek immediate veterinary care. Calling ahead to a veterinary practice is recommended, as some clinics may refer patients to better-equipped facilities with access to antivenom.”

In his post, Evans uploaded a picture of a dog which was recently bitten in the Queensburgh area.

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“The dog was bitten by a juvenile Black Mamba but was successfully treated with antivenom, despite showing severe symptoms including excessive drooling.”

The case has been described as a rare but encouraging outcome.

In addition Evans said he is compiling a regional database documenting snakebites on pets including cases of venom exposure to the eyes for his personal interest and research sake.

“Some veterinary practices, mainly in Durban and one in the Midlands, already help in reporting cases to me (without client details). If any other practices are willing to contribute, I’d be most grateful, as I believe a database for this would be useful.

“Several veterinary practices in Durban and the Midlands are already contributing anonymised data, and additional participation from both professionals and the public is being encouraged.”

He asked contributors to provide details such as the date and time of the incident, general location, dog breed, snake species (or symptoms), and outcomes for both the dog and the snake.

Contact nickevanskzn@gmail.com or WhatsApp 072 809 5806.