Sss-spring is here and so are the snakes!
Ready for spring? The snakes are, too! Warmer weather is around the corner, so snakes will soon become more active.
Spring has sprung!
And for snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe, this means it’s that time of the year when snakes crawl out of their ‘sleeping bags’.
The South Coast’s legendary reptile handler is now preparing for a busy season ahead.
Sarel has had a relatively busy winter filled with ‘catches and releases’ of both black and green mambas.
Mambas don’t hibernate during winter, as it’s mating season.
He travelled far and wide to rescue mambas from Gamalakhe, KwaMdladla, Margate Airport’s fire station, Mtwalume, Southbroom and Harding, to name a few.
“It’s so rewarding to catch a snake and leave a happy family or community behind,” said Sarel.
Most recently, Sarel caught a large black mamba in a small storeroom at a home in St Mike’s.
“The mamba was not happy to share a small room with me, but the ‘bad vibes’ were all over within a few minutes when I got hold of him,” he said.
With the days becoming warmer, be cautious of mambas and other snakes that may come into the garage or toolshed to seek warmth, food or shelter.
Snakes love to curl up around a swimming pool pump and hang out under piles of asbestos or corrugated iron, which get nice and warm in the sun.
Remember, no matter what time of year it is, always treat snakes with respect and leave them alone. Do not try to catch or kill them.
Call a professional like Sarel for help on 082 6831604.
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