A guide to the snakes of Durban
With the summer heat in full effect, you can expect a visit from some of the various snakes in Durban. Use this guide to help you.
DURBAN is home to a large variety of snake species because of its warm, subtropical climate. While most are harmless, even serving valuable roles in pest population control, others can be highly venemous and can pose a serious risk to humans. Knowledge of which snakes are dangerous can help ensure safety while appreciating the ecological balance they maintain.
Also read: How to ‘survive’ Durban’s snakes in summer
The Bluff based snake catcher, Warren Dick, shared some interesting and notable facts of the snakes found in the Durban area.
Venemous snakes
- Black Mamba
- Average length: 2.6m
- Diet: Rodents and small mammals
- Risk: Very dangerous
Known for its speed and potent venom, the Black Mamba is one of the world’s most feared snakes. Bites can be fatal if untreated.
- Green Mamba
- Average length: 1.8m
- Diet: Birds and rodents
- Risk: Very dangerous
Smaller in size, the Green Mamba is often found in trees and is beautiful but deadly; its venom can cause severe harm and even death.
- Mozambique Spitting Cobra
- Average length:1.2m
- Diet: Frogs, rodents and other snakes
- Risk: Very dangerous
This cobra is notorious for spitting venom into the eyes of threats, causing pain and possible blindness if untreated.
- Vine snake
- Average Length: 1.2m
- Diet: Lizards, frogs and snakes
- Risk: Very dangerous
With its slender body and toxic venom, the Vine snake is a master of camouflage. It is dangerous but seldom bites humans.
- Night Adder
- Average length: 60cm
- Diet: Toads
- Risk: Dangerous
This snake’s bite is not usually fatal but can cause significant pain and swelling.
- Stiletto snake
- Average length: 40cm
- Diet: Reptiles
- Risk: Dangerous
Known for its unique ability to strike without opening its mouth fully, this snake can deliver a painful bite.
Harmless Snakes
- Spotted Bush snake
- Average length: 80cm
- Diet: Geckos and frogs
- Risk: Harmless
A common sight in Durban gardens, this snake is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans.
- Brown House snake
- Average length: 60cm
- Diet: Rodents and lizards
- Risk: Harmless
A friend to homeowners, this snake helps keep rodent populations under control.
- Herald snake
- Average length: 45cm
- Diet: Toads
- Risk: Harmless
Recognisable by its dark coloration, the Herald Snake is docile and non-venomous.
- Natal Green snake
- Average length: 80cm
- Diet: Geckos and frogs
- Risk: Harmless
Many people believe this snake is the Green Mamba, but it is utterly harmless.
- Common Wolf snake
- Average length: 40cm
- Diet: Lizards
- Risk: Harmless
The Wolf Snake is a small species of non-venomous snake, quite shy in nature.
- Brown Egg-eater
- Average length: 60cm
- Diet: Bird eggs
- Risk: Harmless
It does not have any venom, even fangs to deliver the venom; this snake feeds by crushing the egg.
Contact
Should you encounter a snake this festive season, call Warren Dick on 072 271 0353 for help.
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