Snake handler and permit holder Frans-Awie Vermaak of Standerton Venom warns residents about snake activity, as the species become more active as they approach hibernation and brumation.

Snakes are more actively searching for prey as we head into the last days before winter. Vermaak warns not to approach or kill a snake should you come across one.

“All animals, big or small, liked or not liked, have a big impact on the ecosystem,” said Vermaak.

He said that in places where there is a rat infestation, because their natural predator is the snake, snakes are killed, and then the rats become overpopulated, which is when one has a rat problem.

“Nature is so designed that all things fit together like a puzzle,” explained Vermaak.

Vermaak has been handling snakes since 1994 and went public in 2016, when there was a need for a snake catcher in the Standerton area.

The most common snake in the Standerton area is the venomous Rinkhals, which can grow up to 1.5 meters long.

Vermaak’s biggest and thickest catch of a Rinkhals was back in 2021 at the Kasselman storage units, measuring 1.3 meters.

Rinkhals commonly hunt for frogs, rodents, and other small animals.

They are notorious for playing dead when threatened, and in addition to inflating their hood and spitting venom.

Vermaak said a snake is mostly scared of humans and would rather slither away to a safe place. However, if a snake is threatened or pushed into a corner, it will come out blazing and bite.

Upon catch and release, Vermaak would monitor and clean the snake before releasing it back into a safe ecosystem, to prevent infection and to ensure there is no human or cattle contact, and to allow it to settle.

“In some cases, farmers request that we relocate the snake to a piece of their land where there is a rodent problem, which is the perfect solution, because that is the purpose.

Vermaak emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe distance from snakes and keeping an eye on them until a handler arrives.

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What to do:

• Make sure you know where the snake is at all times.
• Do not kill the snake nor allow anyone else to do so.
• Keep people and pets away from the area.
• Do not approach or touch. Many bits are a result of people interfering.
• Close windows and doors leading to rooms if the snake is indoors.
• Place a towel along the base of the door to prevent the snake from escaping.
• Call your local snake handler.

Snakes in the Standerton area:
Rinkhals (very dangerous), Puff Adder (very dangerous), Red Lip Herald (mildly venomous), Striped Skaapsteker (mildly venomous), Spotted Skaapsteker (mildly venomous), Spotted Harlequin (mildly venomous), Mole snake (harmless but gives a nasty bite), Egg Eater (harmless), Aurora House snake (harmless), Brown House snake (harmless), Slug Eater (harmless), Bobrons Blind snake (harmless), Brown Water snake (harmless) and the Green Water snake (harmless).

If bitten, seek professional medical care. A photo of the snake will help doctors identify the appropriate treatment. For the safe removal of snakes, call experienced snake handler Vermaak on 084 657 5093.