Gauteng municipality warns residents of danger of snakes
The Ekurhuleni municipality in Gauteng has warned residents to be on the look-out for snakes coming out of hibernation.
The City of Ekurhuleni, on the East Rand of Johannesburg, said with the warming up of the weather “snakes will now be up and about, after a long period of hibernation, hungry and in search of food”.
The City said that from mid-August until late May it was snake season, and it cautioned pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
“A number of snakes which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rats and cats,” Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said.
“Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.
“Meanwhile, snakes such the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.”
Gadebe added: “The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi feeder which is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.”
The City advised on what to do when coming across a snake:
– Give the snake a right of way;
– You can scream and shout but don’t jump or move;
– Keep a distance of about 5 meters from the snake as some snakes can spit poison;
– Watch where the snake ends up so as to assist to locate the reptile once you’ve contacted an expert;
– Do not try to kill the snake, trying to kill the snake may lead to the danger of snake bites;
– Call for help.
In the event of being bitten by a snake or spat on the eyes or an open wound, the City said:
– Do not panic;
– Do not run or try to drive yourself;
– Do not take it for granted;
– Get medical attention as soon as possible.
The City said that if residents come across snakes in their residential areas, they are to contact Christopher Mthombeni on 011 999 3029 / 083 239 7774 or e-mail [email protected] for assistance, or call a local snake expert. - ANA