Region A re-homes a snake
GLEN AUSTIN - THE Pest Control Unit of Region A and chairperson of the Glen Austin Conservancy, Rob Fowler released a female aurora house snake (lamprophis aurora) back into the wild.
Staff of the unit captured the snake at the New Road Engen Garage in Midrand and released it into the Glen Austin African Bullfrog Sanctuary.
Jan van Niekerk operational manager of auxiliary services for Region A said, “The aurora house snake is a beautiful short stocky snake with a rich green olive to citrine on top, with a prominent orange-yellow along the backbone and white belly. It is a non-venomous snake which is unfortunately not common. It is secretive and shy and feeds mostly on nestling rodents. Their range includes the Highveld, Free State, extending into KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.”
He explained as part of the city council’s Integrated Pest Control Strategy to combat rodent infestations, the council had embarked on a programme to promote the establishment of natural predators such as owls to assist in controlling rodents in the city.
“The council would like to sensitise the public with regard to not indiscriminately kill snakes, but to rather contact the Pest Control Section at Region A who would safely remove and relocate the snake if it occurs on council property. In the event of the snake occurring on private property, it is recommended to contact a reputable Pest Control Company,” said van Niekerk.
He said the city council’s health department appealed to all communities to avoid illegal dumping and to ensure that their household waste (wet and dry) was disposed of in a proper way to prevent rodent proliferation.
Details: Pest Control Section at Region A, 082 467 9587
082 467 9587.
