Snake season
Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica). This snake is one of five spitting snakes in Southern Africa. Whereas the Rinkhals usually lifts it head off the ground, forms a hood and throws its head forward when spitting, this snake may spread a hood but will also spit from a concealed position without spreading a hood. The maximum distance that a snake spits its venom is around 3 m and in the eyes it causes instant pain. Venom sprayed elsewhere in the face or on the body rarely causes any problems and can be washed off with water. If spat in the eyes, rinse the eyes with running water for around 20 minutes and consult a doctor.

Home » Snake season: Residents warned to be on the lookout

Snake season: Residents warned to be on the lookout

Snake season is here as summer approaches and temperatures rise. The City of Ekurhuleni has provided emergency numbers for snake catchers.

By Nokwanda Ncwane
03-10-23 14:15
in Animals
Snake season
Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica). This snake is one of five spitting snakes in Southern Africa. Whereas the Rinkhals usually lifts it head off the ground, forms a hood and throws its head forward when spitting, this snake may spread a hood but will also spit from a concealed position without spreading a hood. The maximum distance that a snake spits its venom is around 3 m and in the eyes it causes instant pain. Venom sprayed elsewhere in the face or on the body rarely causes any problems and can be washed off with water. If spat in the eyes, rinse the eyes with running water for around 20 minutes and consult a doctor.

As summer approaches and temperatures rise around South Africa which in a way signals snake season! Snakes become more active – and residents have been urged to be vigilant
During this period of the year, snakes are on the prowl in search of food.

IS IT SNAKE SEASON ALREADY?

According to the South African government, snake season is from mid-August until late May. This is the period when several snakes, harmful and harmless, get out of hiding.

Snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be intuitive, slow, and quick to sense danger.

The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast-moving multi-feeder good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.

ALSO READ: 30cm long and rare two-headed snake rescued in Ndwedwe, KZN

snake season
An individual holding a snake. Image: Pixabay

RESIDENTS URGED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SNAKES

The City of Ekurhuleni has cautioned pet owners to be on high alert and to watch their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.

The municipality said while the community is cautioned to be vigilant against the harmful snakes, some snakes are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, aurora house snake, olive house snake, and red-lipped snake that are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rodents,” the City of Ekurhuleni said.

ALSO READ: Snake blamed for KwaZulu-Natal scrapyard fire

Due to their harmlessness and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, which is discouraged because it is illegal and punishable if you do not have a legal permit.

When encountering snakes, residents can call City of Ekurhuleni snake catchers: Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549, Sonny Katisa on 073 988 8131, Mapaseka Maleka on 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 and Mbali Masango on 081 043 5354.

Tags: featured Important MMifunsa Snake season