Oosie educates children in Secunda on the do’s and don’ts when encountering a snake
In a recent awareness campaign Ms Oosthuizen gave little ones the opportunity to interact with snakes and a bearded dragon and showed the children that not all reptiles are as dangerous and deadly as one would presume.
As hotter weather sees the peak season of snake activity in our area, snake handler, Ms Oosie Oosthuizen, creates awareness and educates adults and the youth on the do’s and don’ts when encountering a snake.
In a recent awareness campaign, Ms Oosthuizen gave little ones the chance to interact with snakes and a bearded dragon.
She showed the children that not all reptiles are as dangerous and deadly as one would presume.
However, she emphasised that the rinkhals is one of the most venomous snakes on the eastern Highveld.
Our area are also housed by non-venomous snakes such as the skaapsteker and the red lipped herald.
Should you encounter a snake, do not approached it closely. It is said that snakes are more scared of humans, and it will most likely look for a route to escape.
If you have stepped on a snake or are very close to it, stand still and move away slowly.
Sudden, quick moves will startle the snake and it will defend itself and bite you.
If a person or pet has been bitten by a venomous snake:
• Do not panic – Stay calm
• Go immediately to the emergency room, or if it was an animal that was bitten, take it immediately to the vet
• Do not suck out the venom
• Do not use homemade remedies
Tall grass and shrubs are ideal hiding spots for snakes, however, snakes will also hide in yard debris such as rock piles, stacked fire wood, piles of yard debris, deep cracks in sidewalks or driveways, under storage buildings or sheds, or under shrubs or bushes that have not been trimmed.
If you encounter a snake do not attempt to kill or catch it yourself.
Rather call out a professional snake catcher such as Ms Oosthuizen who will safely remove the snake and take it to a location where it can be released back into the wild.
Try and get a description of the snake, for example if it is small or large, head shape, if scales look rough or smooth, what patterns it has and the colour.
Should you encounter a snake, call Ms Oosthuizen on 076 051 0710. You can also follow her Facebook Page called Secunda Snake Handlers.
