HELPFUL TIPS WHEN YOU COME ACROSS A SNAKE
ABOUT
HELPFUL TIPS WHEN YOU COME ACROSS A SNAKE
Although it might be a more difficult task for some than others, remember that snakes are also worthy of protection and your first instinct does not have to be fear.
-
The first and best recommendation when you come across a snake is to leave them alone to find its own way out of your property in its own time. Snakes usually do not attack unless they are provoked. Keep your distance and help them to find their way out by clearing any obstacles in their way.
-
If the above is not possible, the next step would be to seek assistance from someone who has snake-handling experience.
If you find yourself in a similar situation on Mabalingwe reserve you are welcome to contact our reception at
014 001 7010 to get help from our trained guides.
1
Keep an eye on its movement if you are waiting for the snake to go its own way or for someone to assist you.
2
If the snake is immobile, you can slowly place an upside-down bucket or box over it to keep it from going anywhere. You can also barricade an area off with boards or boxes to restrict its movement while you wait for assistance.
3
Something similar to a broom can also be used to create a safe distance between you and the snake to guide them outside or sweep them into a container. This is only recommended for someone with experience in snake handling who will usually have a snake catching thong with them and the correct personal protective equipment.
4
Snakes like to hide in cool, damp, and dark places. A clean area with short grass and no clutter is some of the best ways to prevent a snake from being in your territory. Food sources like rodents and birds also make your property more appealing to snakes.
Steps to follow in case of a snake bite incident.
Remember, safety first and although photographs/identification of the snake can be beneficial, it is still possible to get the correct antivenom without it.
-
Move the snakebite victim to safety.
-
Stay calm. Fear can speed up the spread of venom.
-
Call the emergency services.
Emergency contact numbers
Provincial ambulance: 10177/112
Netcare991: 082911
ER24: 084124
South African Police Service: 10111
4. Circle the site of the bite with a pen and write the time of the bite next to it. By doing this you can document the progression of swelling.
Well known snake species which can occur in Limpopo
Rinkhals
Distribution: Parts of the Cape, KZN, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng
Colour: Black, brown or olive with white throat bands or yellow/orange body bands with yellow throat bands
Length: 1-1.5m
Venom: Cytotoxic & neurotoxic
Venom effects: Progressive weakness and paralysis along with painful progressive swelling
Puff adder
Distribution: Throughout South Africa
Colour: Colour varies but has V-shaped markings down the back pointing towards the tail
Length: 0.9-1.4m
Venom: Cytotoxic
Venom effects: Mixed painful progressive swelling and bleeding
.jpg)
Black mamba
Distribution: KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Colour: dark olive, greyish brown/gunmetal grey
Length: 2.8-4.5m
Venom: Neurotoxic
Venom effects: Progressive weakness and paralysis with or without minor swelling
Mozambique spitting cobra
Distribution: KZN, Limpopo
Colour: Brown white with orange/salmon belly and black bands on the neck
Length: 1.2-1.6m
Venom: Cytotoxic
Venom effects: Painful progressive swelling
Snouted cobra
Distribution: KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Colour: Yellowish brown with a yellow belly, or black and cream bands
Length: 1.8-2.5m
Venom: Neurotoxic & cytotoxic
Venom effects: progressive weakness and paralysis along with painful progressive swelling.
Boomslang
Distribution: Found throughout South Africa apart from driest parts and Lesotho
Colour: Grey, brown, green, red, blue, green with black “bands”, black backs with yellow bellies
Length: 1.5-2m
Venom: Haemotoxic
Venom effects: Bleeding
.jpg)
Vine snake
Distribution: Parts of KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Colour: Cryptically coloured resembling a stick
Length: 1.2-1.5m
Venom: Haemotoxic
Venom effects: Bleeding
Stiletto snake
Distribution: KZN, Gauteng, Free state, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape
Colour: Brown to blackish body and belly may be white
Length: 40-98cm
Venom: Cytotoxic
Venom effects: Moderate swelling with potential of causing local tissue necrosis.
No antivenom treatment
Night adder
Distribution: South Africa’s East coast (including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and parts of Free State)
Colour: Dark brown rhombic markings on the back. Body colours varies from light grey to brown. Characteristic “V” shape marking on the head
Length: 40-60cm (max 1m)
Venom: Cytotoxic
Venom effects: Moderate local swelling and pain
No antivenom treatment