Page 24 - Interface October Issue 2024

SNAKE

Rinkhals will
Season they increase the surface
often bask in the
winter months.
By spreading the hood
area and can absorb
more heat.

eople often think that our snakes WHAT SHOULD ONE DO SHOULD YOU ENCOUNTER A SNAKE?
go into hibernation during Immediately retreat at least five paces and observe the snake from that safe
Pwinter, but that is not quite distance. Bear in mind that some snakes can spit their venom with a range of close
the case. As temperatures drop, snakes to 3 m.
become less active and spend far more
time underground. Some snakes, like Puff Never attempt to catch or kill a snake unless you have been trained in safe snake
Adders and the Southern African Python, removal and have the right equipment. Avoid using braai tongs or garden gloves to
mate in the middle of the winter in the remove a snake.
northern parts of their range, where day
temperatures often exceed 23 degrees Immediately clear the area of people and remove all pets, especially dogs. Dogs are
Centigrade. Certain snakes, like the Rinkhals natural hunters and quick to try and kill any snake that they encounter.
or Black Mamba, will often emerge from
their hideouts in the middle of winter to Call your local snake remover. There are over 800 snake removers on our free app -
bask, but are quick to disappear if disturbed. ASI Snakes (http://bit.ly/snakebiteapp).
Snakebite incidences are rare during winter
when most of our snakes are in a state of
torpor and do not feed.
How to keep snakes out of your property:
Most snakes mate in spring with females • Unfortunately, there is no effective snake repellent. This includes
emitting pheromones to attract males. Over substances like Jeyes Fluid, old oil, diesel, moth balls, various plants and
much of southern Africa, snakes become commercially available snake repellents.
very active after the first spring rains, and • Keep your garden clean and neat and remove building rubble or other
this is when we see an increase in snakebite suitable hiding places for snakes.
incidences. While some people are bitten • Water features, pet food in outside bowls and aviaries will attract snakes
on the hand, especially during farming as they hunt for rodents and toads.
activities, or by the Mozambique Spitting • Physical barriers like shade cloth or zinc sheeting wrapped or placed
Cobra while asleep in a bed, most bites around a fence without gaps and around 1m high will prevent snakes from
are well below the knee, when people entering a property.
accidentally step onto a snake.

INTERFACEDigimag | October 2024 | 22