Beware of snakes this summer

BARBERTON – During the past two weeks, Barberton Times was, on several occasions, informed of the appearance of snakes in town as well as on nearby smallholdings.

These included a young python which had helped itself to a chicken or two. After being caught, which couldn’t have been too difficult because it was still digesting its meal, it was released.

On Monday afternoon, the well-known Hennie Grobler (Grobbies), decided to surprise this journalist at the newspaper’s office with his catch, a 1,07-metre long spitting cobra.

Needless to say, the surprise turned out to be more of a shock when I saw what kind of proverbial “cat” came out of the “bag”. The poisonous snake was unharmed, alive and kicking and its captor was obviously fearless in his quest to show off.
“Last week I became aware of my chickens’ eggs disappearing and both my dogs were spat at by a snake, however, I couldn’t get hold of it,” said Grobler.

While taking a nap on Monday, he heard a racket in the chicken coop. Sure enough, when he entered it and lifted a piece of corrugated iron, he was just in time to catch sight of the cobra before he also got spat at in the face. After having washed away the poison, he once more approached the coop, caught the snake and proceeded to put it in a bag.
It was later released on Dr Dirks’ grounds and according to Hennie, Dirks said it was a fine specimen indeed.

Residents should be aware of the presence of snakes at this time of year. There are 130 to 160 species in South Africa. Most of them are not dangerous to humans. However, it is not a good idea to disturb or pick them up.
Most of those encountered by campers and hikers are not poisonous and play a vital role in the ecosystem.
If you are in a nature reserve you should never kill a snake. They are more scared of you than you are of them.Most snakes will get out of your way and will only strike when they have no escape and are threatened.

Information below taken from Siyabona Africa Website

What to do when you encounter a snake:
If the snake is only about a meter away, freeze at first and see the snakes reaction – it will likely look for an escape route. If it is cornered, back away slowly. If you move slowly you are not perceived as a threat and the snake is less likely to strike.
Observe the snake. If the snake stays slithering on the ground it will likely move away and not strike. If the snake rears up like a cobra and flattens its neck to form a hood then it is aggressive and is likely to strike and you need to act with caution. Pythons and adders move forward in a straight line, other snakes move using side-to-side undulations.

Treatment of snake bites:
The most important advice if you are bitten by a snake is to remain calm. Do not panic or rush as this speeds up your metabolism and spreads the poison faster. More damage is done by the shock than the actual bite. Identify the snake if possible. If you do not know what snake it is try and memorize what it looks like.
Relax and phone for medical help. Know that not many South African hospitals deal with snake bites regularly so inform them and ask them to phone the experts.

If you are bitten by a cytotoxic snake such as an adder:
Drink plenty of fluid unless you have trouble swallowing
Apply a sterile dressing to the wound
Never try and suck the venom out with your mouth
Do not squeeze the bite
Do not apply a tight bandage or tourniquet

If you are bitten by a neurotoxic snake such as a cobra or mamba:
Stay calm and breathe gently
Immediately apply a crepe bandage firmly around the wound, as if for a muscle sprain. This will reduce the amount of venom entering the bloodstream but should not cut off circulation
Do not apply a tourniquet
Never try and suck the venom out
Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible as these snakes have potent venom and anti-venom will be needed