When you come across a snake in the Vaal
Fortunately for Vaal Triangle residents there are only two highly venomous and one mildly venomous species of snakes found within the area. Read more to learn what to do when you do come across one.
Several people who belong to the Vaal Herpetological Association will assist with snake removals around the Vaal Triangle.
One of them is Nick van der Walt. Contact him on 072 680 1681 for assistance if you do come across a snake, need help with snake identification or you have been bitten by a snake.
“Being bitten by a snake is a fear shared by many people, however, snakebite treatment has come a long way to ensure that lives and limbs are saved if effective treatment is started early,” says Nick.
He recently caught and released a beautiful Brown House Snake (Boaedon capensis) from a bedroom in Refengkgotso, Deneysville. This snake is harmless and should not be killed.
Nick gave a quick awareness talk afterwards and thanked them for not killing the snake.
On December 21 Nick also relocated a highly venomous Rinkhals from a property in Boltonwold, Meyerton.
The Rinkhals is one of the three venomous snakes found in the Vaal Triangle.
The other two are the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) and the Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus).
The Rinkhals is by far the most common species of the three found around the Vaal Triangle.
What to do when you encounter a snake in The Vaal Triangle
- Stay calm and call a snake catcher to come and remove the snake. Please do this immediately not two or three days later as no one will be able to find the snake. Keep an eye on the snake while you wait for help to arrive
2. Make sure that you stay about 5 steps away from the snake, especially a Rinkhals which can spit its venom at you.
3. Please do not try and kill the snake, it is unnecessary especially if someone is on their way to remove the snake.
4. Keep small children and pets away from the immediate area.
