A slither of snakes in the grass

THE capture of a large Forest cobra at a Wildenweide home on Tuesday was just one of many incidents of large snakes reported on the move in recent weeks.

Measuring close to two metres, the cobra had feasted on six small chickens the past while.

The distraught resident had seen the slithering intruder on a few occasions but it had evaded capture until experienced snake handler Kent Lawrence answered the SOS on Tuesday morning.

In no time he had caught the serpent and stored it safely in a large bucket pending later release in the wild, away from residences.

‘The heat is bringing them out but above that, they are preparing for hibernation at the end of summer,’ said Kent.

‘This means finding a secluded spot where they can sleep in safety, as well as feeding themselves so they have enough body mass for the winter.’

Other snake catchers have reported capturing huge Mozambican cobras, including a ‘monster; at the Meerensee equestrian stables.

BBM reports of a man having been spat in the eyes by one of these snakes could not be verified.

A Meerensee resident was reported to have killed a two-metre Green mamba in his garden.

Residents are advised not to try to catch any snake but to call the Fire Department, who will provide numbers for snake catchers.