The sight of a snake can send most people into panic mode, so imagine when one of these slithering reptiles invades your home or yard? The natural reaction would be one of panic but DON’T! Handling a snake in a controlled and vigilant manner is probably the best defence you have to getting it away.

With the approaching winter months, snakes of all shapes, sizes and danger levels are making one last feeding spree before hibernating for the winter. So snake season is upon us. Umtshezi Municipality’s Fire Department is regularly called out to remove snakes from residential and business properties and should be your first call if a snake slithers into your home or yard.

You can contact the fire department on 036 342 7800 during working hours from Monday to Friday or on 036 352 6464/4444 after hours, on weekends and public holidays. Thus far the fire department staff has responded to a number of snake reports; however an indication of the areas the reports were received from was not given.

Puff adders, nite adders, vine snakes, brown house snakes, rock pythons, red lip teddle, Mozambique spitting cobra and rinkhals have been removed from the areas serviced by the fire department. So what should you do if you spot a snake?

“Do not try to catch or kill snakes. Residents must get an experienced snake handler if they encounter a snake.While snakes will attack if threatened, most of the time, they prefer to flee and will often run instead of striking,” commented Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko.

If you are bitten by a snake do not use an anti-venom except in a hospital environment, cut or suck the wound, apply a tourniquet, have anything to eat or drink or try to kill the snake. Contact the fire department immediately, whilst keeping an eye on the snake’s whereabouts and if bitten seek medical attention immediately.