DURBAN - WITH summer just around the corner, renowned snake catcher Nick Evans gives the residents of Durban and surrounding areas an insight into which snakes the public should be careful of and which are harmless.
Evans said the three most popular breeds of snakes in Durban and surrounding areas are the Brown House, Herald, and the Spotted Bush snake.
He said: “The spotted bush snake is by far the most common snake in the greater Durban area. Thin, no more than a metre, green, with black spots going half-way down the body, and a yellow belly. They're fast-moving snakes too. Fortunately, they are non-venomous, and are of no harm to pets or people.”
Evans added that the brown house snake is also common for hunting mostly at night and could be identified by a dark brown in colour, with creamy-coloured stripes on the body. He added that these are constrictor snakes who wrap around their prey (rats, lizards & birds), something venomous snakes don't do.
“The Herald's head is black towards the back of it, much darker than the body. They also have faint white speckles on the body, and occasionally, orange/red 'lips'.
They are cheeky snakes when harassed, flattening their heads, striking etc. But their mild venom has no effect on people, said Evans.
He said the snake that bites the most people in the greater Durban Area, is the Stiletto Snake.
“It doesn't hunt people or anything like that. It's tiny, usually 30-40cm. The problem is, it doesn't look dangerous, and so people pick it up, which is when it bites. It has a cytotoxic venom, which causes pain, swelling and tissue damage. It's a blackish/brown colour, with the belly being a lighter colour. Tiny eyes,” said Evans.
Another notorious snake for bites annually is the rhombic night adder.
Evans attributes this to residents attempting to catch the snake or accidentally stepping on them.
“These species do not have a lethal bite, but residents are warned to not take their cytotoxic venom lightly and to seek attention urgently. The snake can be described as brown/grey in colour, with dark patterns and a prominent V on the head.”
He said the most feared snake is the black mamba.
“They are usually encountered in homes which border valleys or reserves. Most of the mambas I catch are over two meters long (2.2m-2.5m), so size is the easiest way to identify them. They have a white belly, which is visible if the snake is in an elevated position.
Evans said although black mambas have a reputation for being dangerous, they were actually misunderstood, and bites on dogs were common than on humans. “They are not aggressive, or out to kill. They just want to be left alone. Bites on people are extremely rare," he said.
“Mozambique spitting cobras are also common in parts of Durban, usually in and around reserves/valleys. They can bite, although bites in Durban are very rare. They can spray their venom 2-3m away. Venom in the eyes should be rinsed out with water immediately. Despite their name, they are naturally occurring in South Africa. Plain brown in colour, with an orange/yellow belly,” he added.
Evans pleaded with residents not to try to capture or kill snakes.
“If a snake is left unattended, it will reciprocate the behaviour, and that in the case of an encounter, individuals are advised to move away slowly and seek the expertise of a snake-catcher.
“I would also discourage people from panicking as injuries usually emanate from that. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical attention in the case of a bite. The more you learn about snakes, chances are, the less you'll fear them. They're fascinating creatures. Let's try to co-exist with snakes in a peaceful manner as possible,” concluded Evans.
THE MERCURY