AN Arboretum family watched as their dog escaped death by the skin of his teeth after a face-off with a two-metre forest cobra on Thursday.
The Jack Russell terrier/dachshund mix cornered the snake in the house’s backyard, but managed to run off without a scratch.
Richards Bay snake handler Zephian Alberts was called in to save the day and released the snake near Lake Nsezi.
‘There’s not much you can do to safeguard your pets in this area,’ said Zephian.
‘Richards Bay has many snake habitats such as forests and greenbelts and snakes are now active, looking to fatten themselves up before going into hibernation in a few weeks’ time. Zululanders will soon see a lot less of them.
‘Though they still come out to bask in the sun over winter with this region’s warm weather all year round, snakes generally draw back over the cooler season.’
