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Python rescued in Palm Beach had ‘eyes bigger than its stomach’

If you need a snake removed, contact Sarel on 082 6831604.

August 1, 2022
Shona Aylward 1 minute read

Snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe rescued a Southern African python in Palm Beach after it had a large breakfast earlier today.

Sarel had to jump over a neighbouring wall into a bushy banana tree area to retrieve the snake which had eaten a rather large animal.

The images taken of Sarel ‘in action’ by Ivan Martin remind one of Crocodile Dundee, a 1986 action comedy film set in the Australian Outback and in New York City.

Sarel van der Merwe with the python. PHOTO BY IVAN MARTIN

Sarel seems to think the snake could have swallowed a duiker.

Chatting about snakes and whether they are still in hibernation. Sarel explained that we live in a sub-tropical area, and it was warm today.

“The recent rain would have got the python out of his hole in search for sun,” explained the snake catcher.

Sarel van der Merwe removes and transports another snake to a remote area. PHOTO BY IVAN MARTIN

Interestingly, Sarel had to bag the snake fast, so as not to regurgitate its food.

The snake was relocated to a safer area away from people.

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At Caxton, every story is written by humans. We use AI only to perform quality checks - never to generate the news. Happy reading!
August 1, 2022
Shona Aylward 1 minute read

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shonaaylward

Shona Aylward is a vastly experienced journalist working as a senior reporter. Aside from her extensive community involvement and story writing, she is also involved in creative page layout, and the various media platforms. Shona began her career with Caxton at the Southlands Sun. Previous to this she worked in the marketing industry for surf magazines. Shona is a renown 'greenie' and champions environmental causes. She is also Mom to a number of dogs and cats, and the occasional uninvited snake. When she can find some spare time, it's usually to the beach that she heads.
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