Numbi Park has a slithering guest

Residents of Numbi Park were welcomed home by a 3,5-metre southern African python on Thursday February 25.

The snake was found in a swimming pool in a Numbi Park house when snake handler Debbie Olivier was called to the scene.

“This was not an easy catch. It took us about an hour to lure it into a corner and catch it,” she said. “The snake was released in a protected area, away from possible human contact.”

Olivier cannot disclose its current location because the animal is a protected species. “These creatures are hunted for their meat and skin, so we have to protect them at all costs.”

According to Chris Hobkirk of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Southern African pythons are a
CITES 2-listed protected species. “Without the necessary permits, it is illegal to own or transport an endangered animal, or any part of it, according to the National Conservancy Act.”

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Depending on the intent or severity of the offense, anyone with parts of an animal in their possession, is eligible to a hefty fine. “Debbie Olivier is the only certified snake handler and transporter in the Hazyview area and only she should be contacted to handle snakes.”
Olivier, a member of Mpumalanga Reptile Recovery, may be contacted on 078-964-6770.