Beware of snakes in Pretoria
Summer is snake season in Centurion and readers are warned to be on the look out.
Snake bites could be fatal. They affect body function in minutes and some can even cause death, however, many people do not know what to do when they are bitten by a snake.
ER24 spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing, said research had shown that only a small percentage of bites were by venomous snakes, but anyone bitten should definitely visit a doctor.”
“Snake fangs are not sterile and therefore the puncture wounds could be infected,” he said.
In the past year, numerous snake-related episodes were reported in the Centurion and Midrand areas.
People have spotted snakes in their backyards, in their storage spaces and even at the Midrand Gautrain Station.
Numerous snakes were suddenly found all around Centurion during the summer months due to development in many of the wetland areas between Centurion and Midrand.
Snakes indigenous to Pretoria are brown snakes, house snakes, Red-lip snakes and Rinkhals snakes.
These snakes are displaced from their natural habitat by development.
Tshwane Wildlife Services said it had caught numerous snakes in Centurion.
“There are a few non-venomous snakes and venomous snakes that we [saw] like Aurora house snakes that are non-venomous, but we also see lots of Puffadders, Nightadders, and Cobras,” said official Hencke Marais.
“We live in Africa, you will find snakes everywhere, but it just depends on its natural habitat. In Centurion we have seen numerous snakes.”
Dr Vernon Wessels of ER24 said snake bites could cause cellulitis, an infection of the tissue under the skin. “Depending on the bacteria involved, this condition could be life threatening.”
Wessels said a doctor would be able to assess the likelihood of a bite being poisonous, the depth of the bite and the possibility of underlying damage, such as tendon sheaths or joint spaces that might have been penetrated.
“A booster tetanus injection may be required, as this is a condition that is easily preventable through vaccination,” he said.
“The majority of bites are not venomous. You are more likely to be injured seriously from speeding to the hospital.”
He said panicking increased blood circulation, and should be avoided as far as possible. “The patient should remain calm. Apply a bandage to the area, as this limits lymphatic drainage, and movement.”
Arno Naude, a snake expert and lecturer, said when bitten by a snake, people should avoid washing or cutting the wound or sucking out the venom. No ice, heat packs or electrical appliances should be used and alcohol and aspirin should be avoided.
If you happen to spot a snake in your backyard or house, feel free to contact Tshwane Wildlife Services on (012) 341 1462.
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