City warns residents of possible snake dangers
Beware of the puff adder and rinkhals as they are extremely dangerous
The weather is getting warmer as the spring season sets in, and snakes will soon be coming out from hibernation hungry and in search of food.
The City wishes to caution pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Residents should not panic when they spot a snake in their living spaces. However, they should always keep the snake within their vision at a distance of about five metres away, and not try to kill or handle the snake. A snake should be given a right of way rather than having their way being blocked, and sight of where it ends up should not be lost, while help is sought.
Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, said the Ekurhuleni region is prone to snakes due to the availability of the Blesbokspruit river system, Bullfrog Pan and all other Highveld grassland and many open spaces with good eco-systems that provide both food and shelter for snakes.
“Beware of the puff adder and rinkhals as they are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
“The rinkhals, or ringed-neck cobra, is a fast-moving multi-feeder that is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.”
He further says not all snakes are poisonous, but should a snake bite a resident, it is advisable to visit a medical doctor immediately.
“Furthermore, residents are cautioned to avoid snakes in their spaces by keeping the yard clean, as an untidy yard creates a habitat for rodents, which is the primary food for snakes,” he continued.
“Use your municipal 240-litre wheelie bins to dispose of your refuse as this may also be food for rodents, which will attract snakes. Finally, when feeding your pets put out enough for the day. Don’t have extra food on site in order to avoid feeding rodents,” said Cebekhulu.
In case of encountering a snake, residents can call the City’s Customer Care Centres or allocated snake catchers Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549 and Sonny Katisa on 084 451 1288, or Mapesaka Maleka on 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 and Mbali Masango on 081 043 5354.
