VIDEO: Successful snake awareness session informs Promosa residents

The Snake Neighbourhood Awareness Knowledge and Education (SNAKE) programme, representing NWU in partnership with JB Marks and the Potchefstroom Snake Removal Group, hosted an awareness event at Promosa Community Hall on Saturday, 18 March.

Nearly 100 people attended this informative event on snakes.

Glenville Fransman discovered through various conversations with community members that there is a significant need for information about snakes in the community. According to Fransman, over the past two years, incidents reported by residents in the Promosa, Ikageng Extensions and Mohadin area have increased dramatically.

The awareness session started with talks on the diversity and identification of common snakes, and importantly venomous snakes that one might encounter locally, followed by demonstrations of live snakes that involved proper handling and safety equipment to use, and correct handling of the animals. There are only four venomous snakes found in this region namely Cape cobra, Puffadder, Rinkhals and Boomslag and many more non-venomous snakes that do not pose any danger to people whatsoever. 

Video: JB Marks Municipality

It is very important that people know what these four species look like. Despite the many encounters people have with snakes, the incidence of bites is extremely low. This is mainly because snakes are generally afraid of people and will only attempt to strike if they feel threatened. Knowing this, and what to do when encountering a snake in or near your house can therefore increase your safety as well as the safety of the snake.

READ MORE: RESIDENTS SHOULD BE VIGILANT OF SNAKES DURING THE HOT SEASON.

Piet Goosen, local professional snake remover, explained three important steps to follow upon encountering a snake: 

• Keep a safe distance, 
• Never take your eyes off the snake
• Call a professional snake remover. 

Attendees of the outreach indicated a marked shift in attitude regarding first reactions upon snake encounters, from a primarily hostile attitude (including killing snakes) to a more conservation oriented attitude. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the NWU indicated that 89% of attendees now feel better equipped with how to deal with snake encounters.