More snakes observed in and around Pretoria
More snakes are observed in and around Pretoria. Here are the snakes commonly found in these areas and some safety tips.
More snakes are observed in and around Pretoria, but is it snake season? Here is what you should know.
According to snake catcher Maggie Webster, snakes are more active in summer after good rains.
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“We do get callouts in Winter, but not often. Mating season for puffadders is From April to about May.”
The snakes commonly found in houses are the brown house snake and the Herald snake, which is harmless.
“Surrounding areas of Pretoria, we get Snouted Cobras, Rinkhals – more towards Midrand’s side although I have found some in Raslouw, Puffadders, Mozambique spitting cobras, Boomslang, Aurora house snakes (harmless), Egg eaters (harmless), Night adders, Mambas.”
Webster said while Mambas are found more in the northern part of Pretoria, they did find a 2.5m mamba in Centurion about six weeks ago.
“It hitched a ride inside the guy’s bakkie, and then it was in his garage for two weeks before it was spotted again, and we caught it. Sometimes, we do get hitchhikers who come in with vehicles. This is all the snakes I can think of.”
She furthermore said Stiletto snakes and common wolf snakes are also found in Pretoria.
“If people do see a snake, it is very important not to pick it up, especially if you do not know what type of snake it is.
“A lot of people run away and then call us; by the time we get there, the snake is gone, as they do not stay in one place.”
Webster said it is very important to keep an eye on the snake in order for the snake catchers to find it.
“if you take five steps back and watch it, you will be safe. Keep your yard clean of clutter; clutter attracts mice, and mice attract snakes.
“The habitat of snakes is getting less and less; people are building, and then they are invading the snake’s habitat, and then they don’t have anywhere to go.”
It is vital to remember that snakes seek shade in these hot months, so they don’t see a house; they just see an entry and will go inside.
Webster had been catching snakes for three years.
Save these numbers:
Snake catcher Maggie Webster – 082 299 2822
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