Get familiar with snakes’ behaviour
“Snakes are not out there to harm you, but they are attracted to the environment we have created in our homes.”
These are the words of Eugene Troskie from Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF). He believes that snakes enter yards and homes for the water in the gardens, swimming pools and fish ponds. These reptiles are always looking for a place to hide in places such as rubble, Troskie said.
They feed on rodents, reptiles, frogs and eggs. He appealed to the community to never attempt handling or killing snakes, as they might bite and can be deadly. Troskie advised people to make use of snake catchers, who are well trained to deal with snakes.
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He however said that in the Phalaborwa region there are few biting incidences recorded. There are six highly venomous snakes in the area: the Black Mamba, Snouted Cobra, Mozambican Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder, Boomslang and the Vine Snake. Troskie also gave information on the Eastern Tiger Snake, which is a nocturnal animal, meaning it comes out at night only.
The good thing about them is that they are not dangerous to humans and are only mildly venomous. “I get excited seeing them because we only see them occasionally and they are beautiful snakes,” added Troskie. Contact William Hugo for snake catching assistance on 083 336 2233.
