The children from Imphilo Entsha Preschool recently learned more about reptiles during an educational talk by Jason Steward of Reptiles Rock.
To demonstrate the behaviour of reptiles, Jason brought along a couple of snakes for the children to see and touch. He also let the children look at and feel some snake skin and a tooth.
Jason told the children that there are 138 species of snakes in South Africa, of which only eight are highly venomous. He advised them to observe a snake’s colour, length, the shape of its head and posture, when they come across it.
If it rears up and flattens its neck to form a hood, it will be more inclined to strike than slink away. The children then had the opportunity to ask questions and were taught what to do when encountering a snake.
They were encouraged to wear closed shoes to protect their feet and ankles when walking in the bush. Stomping your feet more vigorously when walking, while make the snakes pick up vibrations through the group and slither away if they feel you coming.
Keep alert and avoid snakes when you see them. “People that are bitten by snakes are generally the ones doing the wrong thing. They may be trying to pick it up, throw stones at it or kill it.
Snakes only bite if they feel threatened. If you leave them alone, you should have no problem at all. Run and tell an adult about the snake,” Jason cautioned them.
