LIMPOPO – A new YouTube channel, Snakes in the Hoed, is turning the often fear-filled world of snake encounters into a thrilling and educational experience for viewers worldwide.

The channel is a dynamic collaboration between local wildlife expert Tim Baynham and Taaibos Bush Lodge owner Pepijn Werkman, aimed at promoting snake conservation while keeping both people and reptiles safe.

“I have been doing snake rescues since I was a young boy. I have had my favourite pair of snake tongs for over thirty years,” said Baynham, who runs Wildlife Safety Solutions in Hoedspruit.

Baynham is no stranger to the adrenaline of snake callouts. He mentioned that during peak snake season, he receives up to six calls daily to remove anything from venomous Black Mambas to harmless house snakes. Each callout is a potential adventure and a learning opportunity.

“Every snake removal is unique. Sometimes I am up in a tree, other times I’m crawling into a roof or digging through storerooms,” he said.

“Filming these rescues lets us promote snake conservation in a fun and engaging way,” Baynham added.

He stated that the idea for Snakes in the Hoed was sparked when Pepijn Werkman called him to relocate a Black Mamba from his lodge property. That encounter led to a shared interest and eventually a new digital venture.

“Werkman asked if he could join me on a few callouts to film a video for his YouTube channel titled Pep in the Bush. The video was a great success, so we decided to start a completely new channel. The channel is titled ‘Snakes in the Hoed’ and will feature weekly episodes showcasing my snake rescue and relocation efforts in and around the Hoedspruit area,” Baynham explained.

Werkman now films and edits the content, using four cameras to capture every angle of the daring rescues. Together, the duo releases weekly episodes that give viewers an up-close look at both the beauty and the danger of snakes in the Lowveld.

Baynham stated that the most frequently featured snakes include Boomslangs, Puff Adders, Snouted Cobras, Mozambique Spitting Cobras, Southern Vine Snakes, and the infamous Black Mamba.

He also rescues mildly venomous and non-venomous species when necessary, especially if they pose a risk to pets or enter human dwellings.

However, it is not just about the thrill. Education is at the heart of the channel’s mission.

“Snakes are shy and retiring animals. They do not want to bite people. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Every callout is a chance to educate. I show the client the snake, talk about its behaviour, and give tips on how to live safely with them,” said Baynham.

Contact Baynham at Wildlife Safety Solutions: 073 934 6156, or email info@wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za.